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DAVAO CITY – Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Tuesday reported the accomplishments of "Byaheng DO30", a three-year initiative of 30 doable and meaningful projects since her assumption to office last year.

Dressed in City Hall uniform, the mayor delivered her state of the city address before the city councilors during Tuesday's regular session wherein she detailed the feats of her 10-point priority areas.

These are the Poverty Alleviation, Infrastructure Development, Solid Waste Management, Education, Health, Agriculture, Tourism, Transportation Planning and Traffic Management, Peace and Order, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation.

She underscored the contribution of these projects to the security and sustainable development of Davao City.

"We can achieve security and development if we are able to reduce poverty incidence, create a skilled and educated workforce and support globally competitive businesses," the mayor said.

Among the highlights of Byaheng DO30 is the accomplishment in social services program, such as the medical assistance under the Lingap sa Mahirap project, a medical assistance which have benefited indigents; improvement of city shelters for abused women, elderly, children in conflict with the law, mentally-challenged children.

Under Lingap, the city launched the Pagkalinga sa Bayan, a one stop shop at the Southern Philippines Medical Center where local and national government agencies provide financial and other medical support to indigent patients from the city and other provinces.

It was set-up in July making easier for indigent patients to get medical assistance, including hospital financial assistance, funeral/burial assistance, and pharmaceutical assistance.

For vulnerable sectors, Duterte-Carpio highlighted the improvement made on the Crisis Intervention Center (CIC) Balay Dangupan which earned the First Level Standards on August 2, 2016; Co Su Gian Home for the Aged and Abandoned Elderly with a Second Level Standards on August 3, 2016; Paginhawaan Drop-In Center for Abandoned and Neglected Street Children; Sidlakan for Victims of Domestic Violence; Lingap Center for Mentally-Challenged Children; BahayPag-asa for Children in Conflict with the Law; and, Quick Response Team for Children's Concerns.

The mayor said that from July 2016 to present, ₱50,000,000 has been allocated for the establishment, operation and maintenance and Upgrading and Standardization of these residential facilities to satisfactorily meet the accreditation requirements of DSWD Standards Bureau. Her administration also launched the Kean Gabriel Hotline 0908 818 4444 which is the city's child abuse reporting number.

Since the establishment of the hotline, Duterte-Carpio said the city government rescued 483 children.

"The Almighty has been very kind since we have not had a child death due to abuse in the past six months," the mayor stressed.

Duterte-Carpio also bared the gains in the city's programs for the LGBT community, education, health, agriculture, tourism, business, environment, employment, livelihood, peace and order, and infrastructure development.

"The City Government of Davao envisions a future for Davao City where families can provide sufficient food for themselves, their children are skilled or college graduates and they live in decent housing," Duterte-Carpio said. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Criminal charges have been filed against two suspects tagged as among the six gunmen behind the kidnapping of a town mayor's son in Zamboanga del Norte, a top police official said Tuesday.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the respondents as Soudi Pondusan Banguih, 36; and Edilberto Sarmago Albino, 61 of Zamboanga del Norte's Sirawai and Labason towns, respectively.

Beltran said the charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention were filed against the two on Monday before the prosecutor's office in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Banguih and Albino were arrested at around 6:30 a.m. Thursday, September 7, in the municipality of Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Beltran said the suspects were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of Jelster Ed Quimbo, son of Mayor Eddie Quimbo of Labason, Zamboanga del Norte.

He said the suspects were identified through a video captured by closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera as among the six gunmen who seized the younger Quimbo.

He said the suspects were also positively identified by a witness, Jolito Timanono Rodillos, who was with the victim at the time of the incident.

The younger Quimbo was abducted by six gunmen at around 6:45 p.m. of September 6 in downtown Labason, Zamboanga del Norte.

The suspects' getaway vehicle was found a few minutes later abandoned in Barangay Osukan in the same town.

The younger Quimbo owns a store and manages the family-owned construction business.

Beltran said the suspects are detained at the police headquarters of Labason, Zamboanga del Norte. (PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The provincial government of Sarangani has launched an investigation into the alleged improper handling of patients by its personnel assigned at the municipal hospital in Malungon town.

Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon said Tuesday he specifically ordered the Provincial Health Office (PHO) to look into the reported cases of laxity and refusal by some hospital employees to take immediate action on the needs of their patients.

The Malungon municipal hospital is run by the provincial government through the PHO headed by Dr. Arvin Alejandro.

A resident, identified as Jezza Deposo, complained through social media that her sick daughter was not properly attended to by the hospital staff when they brought her to the facility earlier this month.

"I really felt so neglected and disappointed with the undesirable actuation of these medical workers," Deposo was quoted in a report released by the Malungon Information Office.

In her Facebook post on Sept. 7, she said they were not properly attended to by a nurse and a midwife who were allegedly making her answer to some queries while they were "half-awake" and lying down under a table.

The post, which went viral, generated numerous negative comments and reports of the same treatment from Malungon residents that eventually reached the governor.

Acting on the report, Solon said he directed the provincial health officer, Dr. Alejandro, to take prompt action on the matter.

He said the involved personnel could be removed from service or face hefty sanctions if found guilty of the accusations.

"We should not tolerate such actions if proven," Solon said.
Aside from the investigation, the governor said he ordered all hospital personnel to cease from "frequently going out of their stations" and going on travels.

He said they should also focus on improving the hospital's services to complement its ongoing upgrading into a Level 1 facility or complete municipal hospital.

Solon issued an apology to the residents of Malungon for the "shortcomings" of the municipal hospital.

"We apologize to Mayor Tessa (Constantino) and our fellow Sarangans. Rest assured that we will dig deeper into this case and take immediate actions," he added.(AVE/PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY -- The Provincial Cooperative Development Council (PCDC) is among those invited to attend a Senate hearing in connection with their opposition to the proposed lifting of tax exemptions among cooperatives all over the country.
 


PCDC Chair, Dr. Profetiza Lim, along with Cooperative Development Authority-registered cooperatives all over the province and the entire country, are vehemently opposing the lifting because it will do more harm to small coops like farmers cooperatives in Negros Oriental.
 


This developed as a signature campaign was spearheaded by the PCDC during the two-day Agriculture Cooperatives Forum over the weekend at the convention center with participants coming from the four provinces of Region 7 --Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor and Negros Oriental.



She said they are happy the House of Representatives already made a stand in their favor and was hoping the Senate will do the same because it will be the members who will suffer especially those belonging to small coops like agricultural cooperatives, Lim said Monday afternoon.
 


Lim said the PCDC is even subsidizing the registration of small coop members to be able to attend the two-day agriculture cooperative forum.



She added they are grateful to Gov. Roel Degamo for assuring them of a PHP1 million subsidy next year.



The forum was spearheaded by the PCDC for information dissemination on the standing of agriculture cooperatives in the country.



Topics included the state of the cooperative movement that was discussed by Mercedes Castillo, board of administrator of CDA. (PNA)



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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -- Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao on Monday released more than PHP500,000 loan to Antiquenos needing money to process their documents as they apply for jobs abroad.

Cadiao released the interest-free loans to 19 Antiquenos. The governor said that this is the assistance of the provincial government to the marginalized sector.

The recipients can repay the loan after three months of working overseas. The loan ranges from PHP15,000 to PHP35,000 and the applicant must be able to comply with documentary requirements of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Desk and the Provincial Planning and Development Office headed by Juliana "Julie" Cepe.

In an interview Monday, Cepe said the assistance is being extended so that the Antiqueno OFWs will stay away from loan sharks.

She added that another batch of OFWs will be granted loans within the year. (PNA)



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CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- Fourteen drug personalities, including a barangay official were arrested in separate anti-illegal drugs operations in Pampanga and Olongapo City on Sunday.

In a report submitted to the Police Regional Office-3 (PRO-3), those arrested in Pampanga were identified as Noli Allen Laxamana, 39, a barangay kagawad of Balitucan, Magalang; Raden Andong of Barangay Atlu-bola, Mabalacat City; Erwin Navarro, 31, of Barangay Mabiga, Mabalacat City; Joseph Bernardo, of Barangay Panda, Angeles City; Andrew Bartolome of Barangay Balibago, Angeles City; Nelson Quiamson, Lucindo Halili, Elmer Tizon, Roy Licaycay, Niño Blas, Raul Alegaga, and Arturo Manaloto, all residents of Barangay Dau, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

Confiscated from the possession of the suspects were a total of 14 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with street value of PHP15,000, the marked money and other drugs paraphernalia.

Meanwhile, those nabbed in Olongapo City were Alfredo Abad Jr. and Michael Santos . Seized from them were a total of 15 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu and marked money.

PRO3 Regional Director, Chief Supt, Amador V. Corpus, said the entire Central Luzon police force is continuously on alert to eradicate all forms of illegal drugs in line with "Double Barrel Reloaded". (PNA



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Investigators are looking into several angles, including illegal drugs, as behind the killing of a police intelligence officer by suspected hired gunmen over the weekend.

Insp. Dominador Soliva, deputy chief of city police precinct number 05, said Monday initial investigation showed that the murder of Police Officer (PO) 3 Clark Bachoco early on Sunday could be "work-related."

Bachoco, who was the precinct's intelligence chief, was on his way home aboard a motorcycle to Dona Soledad Subdivision in Barangay Apopong at around 2 a.m. when he was waylaid by unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen.

Upon reaching the vicinity of the New Bohol satellite market along the national highway in Barangay Calumpang, the tailing suspects suddenly fired at the police officer.

The victim reportedly died "on the-spot" due to four gunshot wounds on the side and back of his body.

Soliva said Bachoco had just left their precinct in Barangay Tambler when the incident happened.

He said the victim earlier joined a saturation drive conducted by their precinct that lasted until midnight.

The police official said the slain police officer had no known enemies and did not confide or report any threat on his life prior to the incident.

But Soliva said the victim could have gotten the ire of suspected criminals who were arrested in several operations in their area of responsibility these past months.

"As intelligence officer he had led various operations, including those related to illegal drugs," he said.

The Police Regional Office-12 and the city police office have condemned the killing of the police officer and ordered a deeper investigation on the matter.

The Philippine flags at the city police headquarters in Camp Fermin Lira and its eight police precincts were raised at half-mast on Monday in mourning of Bachco's murder. (AVE/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – Davao City government will embark on tourism roadshows in other destination capitals as promotional events to complement the efforts of the airline companies to offer direct flights to Davao.

This was revealed Monday by Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, the chair of the Davao City Council's Committee on Tourism and International Relations, saying the city has been asking for direct flights to Davao but it also sees the need to hold promotional activities to draw tourists to the city from other top destinations.

Alejandre cited the cities of Subic, Bohol, Dumaguete, and Tacloban that are usually frequented by foreign tourists. The roadshows, Alejandre said, will involve the city tourism office, travel and tour operators, and the Department of Tourism (DoT).

"This is a collaborative effort of the tour operators, city government, and even media," he said.

Alejandre pointed out that this will be good time to promote the city with the increasing interest in Davao particularly because of President Rodrigo Duterte.

According to Alejandre, direct flights to Davao from Bohol, Bacolod, Puerto Princesa, Kalibo, Dumaguete, and Subic are currently being eyed by the three leading airlines, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia.

Alejandre also cited direct flights abroad. AirAsia will start flying from Davao to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AirAsia is also eyeing Davao as its hub in the Philippines. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has called on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) to register in order for them to avail of the benefits they are entitled under the law.

CSWDO Chief Ma. Socorro Rojas on Monday made the call following observation and reports that not all PWDs in this city are registered with her office.

Rojas disclosed that records of her office showed there are 3,300 registered PWDs in this city although the number could be higher.
Republic Act 7277 otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons defines PWDs as "those suffering from restriction of different abilities, as a result of a mental, physical or sensory impairment, to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being."

Rojas said that the PWDs are entitled to a 20 percent discount in purchasing medicine, medical care and dental services as well as purchases from food and billeting establishments.

She said they are also entitled to a five percent discount in the purchase of basic commodities, as well as household products.
But she said they must be registered with her office so that they can be issued identification card to avail all of the benefits specified under the law.

She said they could also avail of the government's livelihood programs for PWDs once they are registered with the CSWDO. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has called on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) to register in order for them to avail of the benefits they are entitled under the law.

CSWDO Chief Ma. Socorro Rojas on Monday made the call following observation and reports that not all PWDs in this city are registered with her office.

Rojas disclosed that records of her office showed there are 3,300 registered PWDs in this city although the number could be higher.
Republic Act 7277 otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons defines PWDs as "those suffering from restriction of different abilities, as a result of a mental, physical or sensory impairment, to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being."

Rojas said that the PWDs are entitled to a 20 percent discount in purchasing medicine, medical care and dental services as well as purchases from food and billeting establishments.

She said they are also entitled to a five percent discount in the purchase of basic commodities, as well as household products.
But she said they must be registered with her office so that they can be issued identification card to avail all of the benefits specified under the law.

She said they could also avail of the government's livelihood programs for PWDs once they are registered with the CSWDO. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has shipped heavy equipment to Iligan City in preparation for the rehabilitation of Marawi City, a top military official announced.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the heavy equipment, consisting of two pay loaders and two back hoes, arrived on Saturday at the port of Iligan City from Manila.

Galvez said the equipment belong to the Army engineers and the Navy Seabees and were shipped aboard BRP-Lanao del Sur.
Galvez said the equipment will be used in the rehabilitation phase of the embattled Marawi City.

"With the arrival of these equipment, we can now proceed with the reconstruction of iconic structures which were damaged due to the fighting," he said.

He said the equipment will also be used during the construction of temporary houses for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sagongsongan and in other shelters that will be identified.

He said the heavy equipment will be temporarily stored at Balo-i area so that it will be in close proximity to Marawi City when the construction work starts.

The national government has earmarked billions of pesos for the rehabilitation of Marawi City destroyed by the fighting between government forces and Maute group. (PNA)



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TAGBILARAN City, Bohol -- The Provincial Development Council (PDC) has identified a solution to the twin problems of scarcity of potable water and high cost of electricity that are feared to hamper development of Bohol's tourism capital -- Panglao Island.


The PDC endorsed the proposed water desalination facility in Dauis, one of the two municipalities in Panglao Island, to address the problems.

The facility can also be partly utilized partly for renewable energy.
Bohol Electric Company (Boheco) - 1 is providing the power supply in the area, but the proposed project will use solar panels during daytime operation.


"It can be seen that the twin problems of inadequate water supply and high power rates will greatly hinder the future development of the island," said Dauis municipal planning and development coordinator Engr. Oscar Nistal. 


The lot for the project site in Barangay San Isidro, Dauis has yet to be acquired by the local government, but negotiation with the lot owner is ongoing.

The project will cover an area of 5,298 square meters.
"The proposed project site is accessible from the national road and adjacent to a barangay road," Nistal said.


The supply of fresh and potable water is not enough to meet the needs of the locals and businesses in Panglao Island.


"This problem has been a source of constant complaints from its irate residents," Nistal said.


Aside from the problem on water supply, the high cost of electricity also besets the tourist island where the current electric tariff rate is PHP12 per kilowatt hour compared to only PHP8-9 per kwh in Manila.


Residents and establishments in the island have to bear daily with the absence of water distribution line in the area.


The smart micro-grid desalination equipment will not be fully dependent on the power supply from the grid as its main power supply will come from renewable energy.


It has been proposed that the LGU of Dauis will manage the project.


"At present, five barangays manage their own waterworks system which is dependent on ground water sources, while seven barangays are dependent on the water supply being provided by Bohol Water Utilities Inc. (BWUI) which is still insufficient," Nistal disclosed.


The project will employ a photovoltaic (PV) power of electricity generation which will be matched with micro-grid system and adopts reverse osmosis technology to desalinate seawater.


It is projected to have daily capacity of 2,000 tons and the system can sustain a 24-hour operation.

It is assured that the desalinated water will meet the standards for drinking water in the Philippines.


"In case that solar resource is sufficient, the coupling of PV power generation system and energy storage system can ensure the continuous operation of desalination system for about 10-12 hours in general," Nistal added. (Angeline Valencia/PNA)



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CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- Classes in some parts of Central Luzon were suspended on Tuesday as tropical depression "Maring" intensified and continues to move towards Quezon-Aurora area.


Governor Albert Garcia declared the suspension of classes in all levels, both in public and private schools, in the entire province of Bataan.


Governor Cherry Umali, likewise declared the suspension of classes, both in public and private schools in Nueva Ecija.


Governor Susan Yap also declared the suspension of classes, both in public and private schools in Tarlac.


Bataan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac are three of the six provinces in Central Luzon that are under tropical cyclone signal no. 1.

Other provinces were Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales and Aurora. Localized suspension of classes, on the other hand, were declared in Bulacan, Aurora, and Pampanga.


In Bulacan, classes in all levels both in public and private schools were suspended in the cities of Meycauayan, Malolos and San Jose Del Monte and the municipalities of Marilao, Obando, Bocaue, Hagonoy, Angat, Pulilan, San Ildefonso, Calumpit and Norzagaray.


Classes from pre-elementary to high school levels, both in public and private, were suspended in the towns of Bustos and Paombong.


Classes up to elementary level, both in public and private, were suspended in the municipalities of Sta. Maria, Pandi, and Bulakan.


In Pampanga, classes in all levels in public and private schools in the cities of Angeles, Mabalacat and San Fernando as well as in the towns of Minalin, Magalang, Masantol, Mexico, Porac, San Luis, Apalit, Sasmuan, and Sta Rita were suspended.


On the other hand, classes up to elementary level, both in public and private schools, in the towns of Guagua and Sto. Tomas were suspended.


In Aurora, the local government of Dipaculao declared the suspension of classes up to elementary level, both in public and private.


Based on the regional weather forecast issued by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) as of 5 a.m., the provinces of Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Zambales, Pampanga and Bulacan will rains with gusty winds until 5 p.m. (PNA)



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CARIGARA, Leyte --The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has pumped in PHP42.46 million for its water pipeline installation project in Leyte's second district to enhance water supply service.

Dubbed as Tourism Water Infrastructure (TouWa) program, it is a joint undertaking of the DPWH, Department of Tourism, Local Water Utilities Authority, National Anti-Poverty Commission with funding support from the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

It seeks to facilitate tourism and economic growth in identified priority development areas in the countryside.

The installation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes will run along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc national highway covering the villages of Tagak, Barugohay Central, Jugaban, San Mateo, Barugohay Norte in Carigara town up to the road leading to the next town of Barugo.

DPWH Leyte 2nd District Engineer Carlos Veloso said the installation and replacement of the distribution lines is also being undertaken to pave the way for widening of bridges to four lanes located along these areas.

"We are expanding and rehabilitating old bridges and widening them to accommodate the burgeoning traffic along major routes in the district, and our water lines are likewise affected," Veloso said.

Meanwhile, the Metro Carigara Water District (MCWD), the water utility in the area, pointed out this project is intended to address the vulnerability of the main water supply which has been installed more than 50 years ago.

MCWD noted increasing number of complaints such as "intermittent to no water supply, pressure fluctuation and pipe leaks."

The provision of safe, cost-effective and sustainable water supply is one of the vital components of the government's infrastructure program and it is identified to be one of the top critical tourism infrastructures.

"Providing such infrastructure would be crucial in enriching tourism growth and development in these areas," Veloso added.

The TouWa Program is expected to boost local tourism through infrastructure projects and job creation in the identified communities. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Personnel of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Office were cited for meritorious performance that led to the arrest of a cyber den operator and rescue of two minors in this city.

The awarding was held just after the flag ceremony on Monday at Camp Romeo Abendan that houses the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) headquarters in Barangay Mercedes, this city.

Awarded the efficiency medal (Medalya ng Kasanayan) were Chief Insp. Joel Tuttuh, regional anti-cybercrime chief; SPO1 Charlene Nabua; PO3 Mary Grace Francisco; PO2 Art Binas; PO1 Art Josef Valdez; and, PO1 Jenny Ian Kalayakan.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, PRO-9 director, said their exemplary performance resulted to the arrest of Eric Acain alias Madam, 40, an alleged cyber den operator, and the rescue of two minors.

Acain was arrested in a law enforcement operation by way of serving of search warrant on August 26 in Barangay Ayala, this city.

Confiscated from Acain's residents were 11 units of computers; 11 units cellular phones; six units laptop computers; seven Wi-Fi modems; internet cables; one hard drive; and, a pocket Wi-Fi.

Beltran said the awardees' exemplifying leadership qualities are an epitome of true and dedicated public servant, earning them honor and prestige, worthy of praise and emulation not only by their peers in particular but the Philippine National Police in general. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- Seven suspected drug pushers and six users were rounded up Monday in a series of operations in Danao City, 48.7 kilometers north of this city.

Danao City Police seized from the suspects 53 sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" worth more or less PHP15,000.

The suspected drug peddlers were identified as John Peter Almerez, Jeremy Mata, Ricky Miro, Efren Enero, Randy Collantes, Roel Collantes, and July Bughaw.

They will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, along with suspected drug users Kim Angelo Lochavez, Felix Calvo, Ardie Fabroa, Filomeno Giandam, Ronald Lipao-Lipao, and Marjun Dolero.

Operatives led by Danao City Police chief Gerard Ace Pelare arrested the suspects olong Taboc Loboc, Ralota, Duterte, Suba, and Juan Luna streets, all in Barangay Poblacion of said city.

Meanwhile, a resident of Pamplona, Negros Oriental, is now detained at the Cebu City Police Station 11 after he was caught in possession of illegal drugs.

Rommel Jayme, 32, was arrested by roving policemen led by PO3 Jonathan Basiller in Barangay Duljo-Fatima where he bought the two packs of "shabu" recovered from him. (with reports from Michelle Bugtai/PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Health personnel in South Cotabato province have raised alarm over the rising cases of suicide among residents.

Jade Javellana, mental health program coordinator of the Integrated Provincial Health Office, said Tuesday they recorded a sudden increase this year in suicide rates in the province's 10 towns and lone city.

Since January, she said they already documented 21 suicide cases, including one visiting foreign national.

She said the cases involved 15 males and five females who were mostly suffering from depression and other related problems.

"The reasons are actually diverse. We also have cases that were due to love and passion, frustration, family problems, health issues and mental challenges," Javellana said in a media forum.

Citing their assessment, she said the victims ended their lives mainly due to the "feeling of hopelessness."

The profile of the involved victims are students, jobless persons, a housewife, a tourist and elderly, she said.

Owing to this, Javellana said they have launched a series of trainings this month to further capacitate health workers in the handling of cases of depression and mental illness.

Such move is part of the activities for the province's ongoing observance of the National Suicide Prevention Month.

She said the trainings are focused on equipping local health workers in creating strategies that would help address the problem.

These activities are spearheaded by Lake Sebu Municipal Health Officer Dr. Josephine Bayquin, she said.

Javellana said they are also promoting open discussions on suicides as it is considered a form of a therapy, especially for depressed individuals who have attempted to end their lives.

"It's okay to ask them why they attempted to kill themselves. We need to talk to them and not leave them at such state," she added.(AC/PNA)



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LAOAG CITY— Residents here are advised to take necessary precautions as two weather disturbances are near Region 1.

Engr. Pedro Agcaoili, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) said Tuesday all departments under the Ilocos Norte government are well-prepared in times of calamity.

As ordered by Governor Ma. Imelda Josefa Marcos, Agcaoili said all members of the PDRRMC attended a pre-disaster assessment at the Resiliency Office on Monday to ensure everything is in place.

For her part, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Lilian Rin said a stockpile of relief goods had already been prepositioned in the different towns and cities of the province.

Representatives of the Provincial Engineering Office and the Department of Public Works and Highways also assured their heavy equipment and operators are alerted to immediately respond particularly in pre-identified highly vulnerable areas due to flooding or landslide.

Dr. Loida Valenzuela of the Provincial Veterinary Office also reported that if rain persists, a text brigade will immediately operate, informing concerned stakeholders.

Agcaoili hopes that by practicing pre-disaster preparedness operations, Ilocos Norte will be spared of any further damages to property or possible loss of lives.

As of Tuesday morning, Tropical Depression "Maring" has accelerated and made landfall in the vicinity of Mauban, Quezon. In Ilocos Norte, low to moderate rains are observed in some parts of the province.

Fishermen were advised not to venture out into the deep sea today due to erratic weather condition. (PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 has cleared the mayor of Tampakan town in South Cotabato of any legal liability following the raid at his home on Monday morning that yielded several high-powered firearms.

Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr., PRO-12 public information officer, said Tuesday Tampakan Mayor Leonardo Escobillo was cleared after presenting legal documents as proof of ownership for the six recovered firearms and assorted ammunition.

He said these were a unit of caliber .45 Norinco pistol with live ammunition, a caliber .40 Taurus pistol with loaded ammunition, two carbine rifles, a shotgun, an AK47 rifle, and assorted magazines and ammunition.

The firearms were recovered during an anti-drug raid at the mayor's house in Barangay Maltana in Tampakan town at around 6 a.m. on Monday.

The operation was based on 15 search warrants for possession and selling of illegal drugs, maintenance of a drug den, and illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives issued by Judge Alandrex Betoya of the Regional Trial Court Branch 16 in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

The warrants were implemented by operatives of the PRO-12's Regional Drug Enforcement Unit, Regional Public Safety Battalion, 1st and 2nd Maneuver Company, Tampakan municipal police station.

But Galgo said the mayor's son, Leonard "Junjun" Escobillo, is facing charges of illegal possession of firearms after a caliber. 45 Taurus handgun loaded with eight live bullets and with expired license was seized in a separate raid at his home in Purok 6, Barangay Maltana.

Also recovered were 18 rounds of live ammu0nition and two pieces of steel magazines, he said.

"He was arrested for not having presented legal documents to vouch ownership of the confiscated items," he said in a statement.

Galgo said Leonard is currently detained at the Tampakan municipal police station jail pending the filing of formal charges.

Sr. Insp. Harold Cornel, Tampakan police chief, clarified that Mayor Escobillo, who is currently on his third term, was not arrested after the raid.

The raiding team declared as unlicensed the two carbine rifles seized from the mayor's residence.

The mayor denied owning them. No illegal drugs were recovered during the raids.

He said Leonard, who was reportedly eyeing the mayoralty post in the 2019 elections, had been serving as the mayor's secretary.

Mayor Escobillo condemned the raid and denied any involvement in illegal drug trade and related activities.

The mayor blamed politics as behind the raid, which he said was based on "wrong information" fed to authorities.

"I will face this challenge and at the same time, continue serving the people of Tampakan," he said.(AVE/PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Operatives of the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) arrested 12 people and seized illegal drugs in separate anti-drug operations, a top police official said Tuesday.

Chief Supt. Billy Betran, PRO-9 director, said the arrest came as the anti-drug campaign continues without let-up in line with the President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of war against illegal drugs in the country.

Beltran said the suspects were arrested in a series of anti-drug operations in Zamboanga City; Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay; and Isabela City in Basilan.

Beltran identified those arrested as Abdel Qadir, Gichin Moreno, Alfadz Kammak, Norgie Caceres, Leo Patrick Cabato and Ellaine Guina of Zamboanga City; Alex Turno and Raymond Turno of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; Ben Amirul, Adrian Ijirani, Aldrin Ijirani, and Jerico Baro of Isabela City, Basilan.

He said the arresting teams confiscated from the suspects packs of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of PhP13,000; packs of dried marijuana leaves; marked money; and, other illegal drug paraphernalia.

He said the suspects are now detained pending the filing of appropriate charges against them. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The police have launched a manhunt operation against the gunman behind the killing of a barangay councilman in the province of Basilan, an official disclosed Tuesday.

Supt. Jerome Afuyog, Isabela City police chief, identified the subject of the manhunt operation as Ben Apas, of Sibago Island, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.

Afuyog said Apas has been identified as the alleged gunman who shot and killed Barangay Councilor Alasin Sali Kaya, 45, of Tampalan, Malamawi Island, Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province.

He said Apas shot Kaya at around 8:20 a.m. Monday in Barangay Tampalan and fled after the crime.

He added that Kaya, who had multiple gunshot wounds, was rushed to a hospital in mainland Isabela City for medication.

But he said Kaya expired later Monday while being transported to a hospital in Zamboanga City.

He said the motive of the incident has yet to be ascertained although initially, it is believed to involve money. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Tuesday reported the accomplishments of "Byaheng DO30", a three-year initiative of 30 doable and meaningful projects since her assumption to office last year.

Dressed in City Hall uniform, the mayor delivered her state of the city address before the city councilors during Tuesday's regular session wherein she detailed the feats of her 10-point priority areas.

These are the Poverty Alleviation, Infrastructure Development, Solid Waste Management, Education, Health, Agriculture, Tourism, Transportation Planning and Traffic Management, Peace and Order, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation.

She underscored the contribution of these projects to the security and sustainable development of Davao City.

"We can achieve security and development if we are able to reduce poverty incidence, create a skilled and educated workforce and support globally competitive businesses," the mayor said.

Among the highlights of Byaheng DO30 is the accomplishment in social services program, such as the medical assistance under the Lingap sa Mahirap project, a medical assistance which have benefited indigents; improvement of city shelters for abused women, elderly, children in conflict with the law, mentally-challenged children.

Under Lingap, the city launched the Pagkalinga sa Bayan, a one stop shop at the Southern Philippines Medical Center where local and national government agencies provide financial and other medical support to indigent patients from the city and other provinces.

It was set-up in July making easier for indigent patients to get medical assistance, including hospital financial assistance, funeral/burial assistance, and pharmaceutical assistance.

For vulnerable sectors, Duterte-Carpio highlighted the improvement made on the Crisis Intervention Center (CIC) Balay Dangupan which earned the First Level Standards on August 2, 2016; Co Su Gian Home for the Aged and Abandoned Elderly with a Second Level Standards on August 3, 2016; Paginhawaan Drop-In Center for Abandoned and Neglected Street Children; Sidlakan for Victims of Domestic Violence; Lingap Center for Mentally-Challenged Children; BahayPag-asa for Children in Conflict with the Law; and, Quick Response Team for Children's Concerns.

The mayor said that from July 2016 to present, ₱50,000,000 has been allocated for the establishment, operation and maintenance and Upgrading and Standardization of these residential facilities to satisfactorily meet the accreditation requirements of DSWD Standards Bureau. Her administration also launched the Kean Gabriel Hotline 0908 818 4444 which is the city's child abuse reporting number.

Since the establishment of the hotline, Duterte-Carpio said the city government rescued 483 children.

"The Almighty has been very kind since we have not had a child death due to abuse in the past six months," the mayor stressed.

Duterte-Carpio also bared the gains in the city's programs for the LGBT community, education, health, agriculture, tourism, business, environment, employment, livelihood, peace and order, and infrastructure development.

"The City Government of Davao envisions a future for Davao City where families can provide sufficient food for themselves, their children are skilled or college graduates and they live in decent housing," Duterte-Carpio said. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Criminal charges have been filed against two suspects tagged as among the six gunmen behind the kidnapping of a town mayor's son in Zamboanga del Norte, a top police official said Tuesday.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the respondents as Soudi Pondusan Banguih, 36; and Edilberto Sarmago Albino, 61 of Zamboanga del Norte's Sirawai and Labason towns, respectively.

Beltran said the charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention were filed against the two on Monday before the prosecutor's office in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Banguih and Albino were arrested at around 6:30 a.m. Thursday, September 7, in the municipality of Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Beltran said the suspects were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of Jelster Ed Quimbo, son of Mayor Eddie Quimbo of Labason, Zamboanga del Norte.

He said the suspects were identified through a video captured by closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera as among the six gunmen who seized the younger Quimbo.

He said the suspects were also positively identified by a witness, Jolito Timanono Rodillos, who was with the victim at the time of the incident.

The younger Quimbo was abducted by six gunmen at around 6:45 p.m. of September 6 in downtown Labason, Zamboanga del Norte.

The suspects' getaway vehicle was found a few minutes later abandoned in Barangay Osukan in the same town.

The younger Quimbo owns a store and manages the family-owned construction business.

Beltran said the suspects are detained at the police headquarters of Labason, Zamboanga del Norte. (PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The provincial government of Sarangani has launched an investigation into the alleged improper handling of patients by its personnel assigned at the municipal hospital in Malungon town.

Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon said Tuesday he specifically ordered the Provincial Health Office (PHO) to look into the reported cases of laxity and refusal by some hospital employees to take immediate action on the needs of their patients.

The Malungon municipal hospital is run by the provincial government through the PHO headed by Dr. Arvin Alejandro.

A resident, identified as Jezza Deposo, complained through social media that her sick daughter was not properly attended to by the hospital staff when they brought her to the facility earlier this month.

"I really felt so neglected and disappointed with the undesirable actuation of these medical workers," Deposo was quoted in a report released by the Malungon Information Office.

In her Facebook post on Sept. 7, she said they were not properly attended to by a nurse and a midwife who were allegedly making her answer to some queries while they were "half-awake" and lying down under a table.

The post, which went viral, generated numerous negative comments and reports of the same treatment from Malungon residents that eventually reached the governor.

Acting on the report, Solon said he directed the provincial health officer, Dr. Alejandro, to take prompt action on the matter.

He said the involved personnel could be removed from service or face hefty sanctions if found guilty of the accusations.

"We should not tolerate such actions if proven," Solon said.
Aside from the investigation, the governor said he ordered all hospital personnel to cease from "frequently going out of their stations" and going on travels.

He said they should also focus on improving the hospital's services to complement its ongoing upgrading into a Level 1 facility or complete municipal hospital.

Solon issued an apology to the residents of Malungon for the "shortcomings" of the municipal hospital.

"We apologize to Mayor Tessa (Constantino) and our fellow Sarangans. Rest assured that we will dig deeper into this case and take immediate actions," he added.(AVE/PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY -- The Provincial Cooperative Development Council (PCDC) is among those invited to attend a Senate hearing in connection with their opposition to the proposed lifting of tax exemptions among cooperatives all over the country.
 


PCDC Chair, Dr. Profetiza Lim, along with Cooperative Development Authority-registered cooperatives all over the province and the entire country, are vehemently opposing the lifting because it will do more harm to small coops like farmers cooperatives in Negros Oriental.
 


This developed as a signature campaign was spearheaded by the PCDC during the two-day Agriculture Cooperatives Forum over the weekend at the convention center with participants coming from the four provinces of Region 7 --Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor and Negros Oriental.



She said they are happy the House of Representatives already made a stand in their favor and was hoping the Senate will do the same because it will be the members who will suffer especially those belonging to small coops like agricultural cooperatives, Lim said Monday afternoon.
 


Lim said the PCDC is even subsidizing the registration of small coop members to be able to attend the two-day agriculture cooperative forum.



She added they are grateful to Gov. Roel Degamo for assuring them of a PHP1 million subsidy next year.



The forum was spearheaded by the PCDC for information dissemination on the standing of agriculture cooperatives in the country.



Topics included the state of the cooperative movement that was discussed by Mercedes Castillo, board of administrator of CDA. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- A friendly basketball game involving members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) turned bloody Thursday when players used guns instead of basketball in shooting in North Cotabato.

Chief Inspector Romy Castanares, police chief of Pikit town, said two players were killed and another was injured when what was supposedly a friendly match turned bloody.

Castanares identified the slain players as Ismael Muhamadali, 34 and Mamaila Udlayan, 32, both of Barangay Gokotan, Pikit, North Cotabato. Injured was a certain Ali Jamel.

All of them were members of MILF under Commander Karim Dubua alias "Midnight."

Citing reports from Barangay Gokotan chair Mustapha A. Aliman, Castanares identified the suspects as Macabuat Tambungalan and Manguda Tambungalan, also MILF members under Commander Masibpal. Macabuat Tambungalan was also injured.

The suspects and the victims were all playing basketball in the village with pot money as bet when the game went "physical." One of them pulled his Armalite rifle and opened fire. Relatives of the slain MILF members retaliated, triggering a gun battle.

"There was misunderstanding that turned into a heated argument until they took up arms," Aliman told police investigators.

Castanares said MILF elders have intervened to pacify warring members and stop the fighting.(PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Members of the China state-owned company CCCC Highways Consultants Co., Ltd visited Iloilo on Wednesday for the pre-feasibility study on the construction of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge.

Provincial administrator Raul Banias said the group was accompanied by officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

"They were here because they were authorized by their Ministry of Commerce to conduct the pre-feasibility study of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge," he said in an interview Thursday.

Banias said the company is based in Beijing, China. He said the company's brochure shows it has a lot of experience in the construction of roads and bridges in China, including the recently completed longest bridge linking Macau and mainland China, which is about 60 kilometers.

"The pre-feasibility will take a little while that is why they are getting information and data from government agencies, including the province of Iloilo," he said.

Banias clarified that all the expenses for the conduct of the pre-feasibility study will be shouldered by the company.

Specifically, they have provided the company the medium and long term development plan and the socio-economic profile of the province, Bania said. 

The visit of the group here was earlier announced by DPWH Secretary Mark Villar when he led the inauguration of the PHP134.91-million Nabitasan-San Rafael by-pass road and the Php40.2-million Iloilo River Esplanade-Phase 3 last August 26.

He explained that technical studies to be conducted had to be thorough, considering that it will be a 19-kilometer bridge and one of the largest projects in the country.

Villar hoped they can finish the studies and plans and submit them to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) by 2018 for approval.

Villar said funding for the project will possibly be through the Official Development Assistance (ODA).

He said that they are waiting for the Department of Finance (DOF) for the financing plan on how to fund the project.

Villar also assured the project will push through within the term of President Rodrigo Duterte. (PNA)



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CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao -- Police Director-General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on Thursday lauded the police in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for its role in war on drugs in the region.

Dela Rosa was guest of honor during the 116th anniversary of the Philippine National Police at Camp SK Pendatun in Parang town Thursday afternoon.

Dela Rosa also awarded a rookie policeman who returned P20,000 cash he found at the ATM booth of Land Bank in Cotabato City.

Speaking during the program, Dela Rosa praised the officers and men of PRO-ARMM for their dedication in addressing security issues in the region, especially in Marawi City.

He said PNP leadership was honored with the commitment of ARMM police in helping restore normalcy in troubled city.

Police and other government forces are still fighting terrorists in Marawi City, many of whom have perished.

"I am proud of the dedication of our personnel serving in Marawi City. I am grateful to them for their sacrifices there," Dela Rosa said.

While he lauded the police for a job well done, Dela Rosa warned rank-and-file personnel to be ready to also face legal battles that may come as they perform law enforcement in their respective localities.

"Just keep going. Continue working hard in ensuring public safety," Dela Rosa added.

Specifically, Dela Rosa lauded PRO-ARMM Director Chief Supt. Reuben Sindac for leading PNP-ARMM in sustaining President Duterte's war on drugs in the region.

Highlighting the program was the awarding of medals to deserving police officers. Among them was PO1 Jose Angelo Zorilla, assigned with the Regional Public Safety Battalion who was detailed in Marawi City following the siege on May 23.

He went on a three-day leave from Marawi City and stayed with his family in Cotabato City when he found the money left by its rightful owner inside an ATM booth.

For honesty, Zorilla, a son of former Army officer, received the Medalya ng Papuri.(PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY – The four dioceses in Negros Island launched Friday a joint pastoral statement for peace amid the rising violence and number of killings and other problems like terrorism and insurgency facing the country today.

The two-page document was signed by Most. Rev. Julito B. Cortes, D.D., bishop of Dumaguete; Most Rev. Patricio A. Buzon, SDB, D.D., bishop of Bacolod; Most Rev. Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D., bishop of San Carlos; and Very Rev. Rolando G. Nueva, administrator of Kabankalan.

"As your pastors, we sense the grief, the anguish, the fear, the confusion, even the outrage and the many troubling questions of family members, colleagues, classmates, friends and communities of those who were killed without due process, either as part of our government's war on drugs or counter-insurgency measures or as plain civilian banditry," the statement read.

While acknowledging the "gravity and enormity" of the drug problem, as well as on other concerns affecting peace and order, they also stressed the need for law enforcers to respect human life and dignity by following the rule of law and due processes.

"This statement has become even more necessary because of the unabated and appallingly increasing incidents of EJK as part of 'One Time, Big Time' campaign, riding-in-tandem shooting, or anti-insurgency operations, as well as the ambushes perpetrated by the underground revolutionary forces. We are greatly alarmed, for example, by the spate of killings committed even in broad daylight that is still going on in the City of Guihulngan and the resulting climate of fear, demoralization, and unpeace," the diocesan leaders stressed.

Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete, in an interview Friday, noted that the joint statement also came at a time when Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental is facing a serious threat to its peace and order because of the series of killings in the area.

Following the July 21 ambush by suspected communist terrorists which left six policemen dead, three other policemen and a civilian wounded, several shooting incidents have been reported afterward in Guihulngan or involving Guihulngan residents.

The latest was that of two persons who were shot in Barangay Looc, Sibulan in Negros Oriental on Thursday. One of them, who hails from Guihulngan, died while the other survived the attack by unidentified riding-in-tandem suspects, a police report said.

According to Bishop Cortes, what is happening in Guihulngan is actually one of the reasons the joint statement was issued as he called for an end to this "cycle of vendetta."

While the police have not come out with a conclusive statement on the killings in Guihulngan, a pattern shows that those who have been shot dead were either alleged members/supporters of the Communist New People's Army (NPA) or identified or believed to be informants or with linkages to the police and the military.

The Church leaders appealed to the authorities to carry out their anti-crime operations in a legitimate and fair manner, reiterating what they had issued in another joint statement in October of last year that called for putting premium on the sanctity of every human life – both innocent and the guilty, including the unborn and those needing reform; the defense of human dignity and human rights; the protection of everyone's right to due process; and the rejection and condemnation of extrajudicial killings.

"We are convinced as clearly expressed by Pope Francis that there can be no sincere and enduring resolution to our present crisis 'unless the response is concerted and collective, unless the responsibility is shared and accountable, unless we give priority to solidarity and service'".

Finally, the Negros diocesan leaders ended their joint statement by issuing a challenge to all, including themselves "to pray constantly that our country may be effectively rid of the drug menace, but in a manner that is just and lawful; to intensify our work of evangelization particularly in the area of forming consciences and promoting the culture of life, starting in our families; to offer our cooperation and collaboration with government, civil society and other churches in the work of drug prevention and rehabilitation".

Dumaguete Bishop Cortes said he has sent a text broadcast to the priests in his diocese to start talking about the highlights and other important points of the joint statement but not necessarily read it as it is quite long.

On this feast day to celebrate the birthday of the Blessed Mother Mary, Bishop Cortes also stressed the importance "to call on Our Lady of Peace for her powerful intercession" that peace may reign in "our hearts, families, communities and the country".

"We consecrate our efforts to the Blessed Mother because her birth is the dawning of salvation and we need that light" especially during these troubled times, the Dumaguete prelate added. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- An official of the Civil Service Commission in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CSC-ARMM) was killed while another was injured after they were hit by stray bullets in Marawi City Thursday morning, police said.

Chief Supt. Reuben Sindac, police Regional Director for ARMM, identified the slain official as CSC-ARMM assistant director Marvin Ablando, 45, who was hit in the head.

Sandra Arnica Uzman, 43, CSC-ARMM regional director, was also hit in the forehead, but now in stable condition, Sindac added.

Citing reports from Marawi City, Sindac said Usman and Ablando were on board a government vehicle on their way to the provincial capitol of Lanao del Sur in Marawi from Mindanao State University (MSU) campus when bullets from nowhere hit the vehicle at past 10 a.m.

They were there on official business in observance of Civil Service month celebration.

Sindac said both officials were immediately brought to the nearby Amai Pakpak Hospital but Ablando was pronounced dead upon arrival by attending physicians. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Iloilo City was selected by the United Nations (UN) Habitat as pilot site for its clean air initiative project in the Philippines.

"We were told that it is only in Iloilo City that they are going to put a project on this aspect in the Philippines," said city planning and development coordinator Jose Roni Peñalosa on Friday.

Peñalosa said what the proponent is trying to do "is build on the existing initiatives of the city as regard clean air."

Robert Kehew, unit leader of the Climate Change Planning Unit, Urban Planning and Design Branch of the United Nations Human Settlements Program; and Country Director Cris Rollo met with officers of city government offices on Monday.

They were briefed by city environment and natural resources officer Noel Hechanova about the green house inventory project of Iloilo City in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the emission assessment undertaken years back in partnership with the German International Cooperation (GIZ).

Peñalosa said they have heard of the various environmental efforts of the city, the reason they chose to pilot the project in Iloilo City.

Last year, UN Habitat has assisted Iloilo City in the Plan City Extension project for the design concept of upper Jaro. This project tries to apply and adopt the principle of livability and sustainability that was advocated by UN Habitat.

The agency also worked with the city government on the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and vulnerability and adaptation assessment for this locality.

"They knew how we work. They knew how involved our citizens are. They knew how participatory our approach is and they knew how the leadership ably supports initiatives like this. With that good track record, UN Habitat is here again to lend a helping hand for other needs of the city," he said.

In a discussion Wednesday afternoon with the city environment and natural resources office (CENRO) and the city planning and development office (CPDO) , the initial plan was to come up with an urban air quality project.

The project maybe beneficial should the city decide to come up with "policy reforms as regard emission from point sources and mobile sources," Peñalosa added. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said that talks are ongoing between officials of his department and the Department of Education (DepEd) about the plan to reintroduce agriculture in public school curriculum.

"We are working on a program that will bring back agriculture in grade schools and in high schools all over the country. We will have to reintroduce agriculture even the simple gardening," Piñol said in an interview Thursday afternoon following the opening of the Makina Expo 2017 in this city.

The initiative seeks to respond to the waning interest of Filipino children in agriculture.

Piñol emphasized that "the lifeblood of this country is agriculture and fisheries."

"This one we would like to institutionalize agriculture and simple gardening in the curriculum of public schools both in the elementary and high school," he said, adding this is more than the "Gulayan sa Paaralan" project that was also introduced in schools.

Piñol said they are hoping to introduce the program starting next school year.

Currently, they are now on the technical level where both departments' undersecretaries are discussing the planned reintroduction of the program.

Meanwhile, the secretary announced that their scholarship program continues for students who would like to enroll in agriculture.

With the free tuition program implemented in state universities and colleges (SUCs), DA will just shoulder other expenses of the scholar.

Those interested are advised to visit the nearest DA office or the registrar of the school where they intend to enroll. (PNA)



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BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan -- Aklanons can get free training and workshops to equip them with related skills in information and communication and technology (ICT) that could be needed for employment.

The scholarship is offered through the Tech4ED and Rural Impact Sourcing (RIS) program of the Aklan Trade Tourism Investments and Promotion Center, an office under the provincial government of Aklan.


The RIS training, which will include e-commerce, digital marketing and freelancing modules, will start on October 16 coinciding with the launching of the Tech4ED center and RIS hub in Aklan.

The Tech4Ed Center situated at the Provincial Academic Center in Kalibo will serve as training hubs and working spaces for Aklanons interested in ICT.

Jecyl Bantique of Aklan Trade Tourism Investments and Promotion Center said on Friday that the scholarship is open to all Aklanons, 18 years old and above.

She said unemployed and underemployed youth and differently-abled participants will be given priority. All applicants will be subject to evaluation.

Aside from helping Aklanons get jobs on ICT sector, the activity also aims to help the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector in the province.

The selected scholars will be paired with local MSMEs to develop their projects, she said. (PNA)



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DAGUPAN CITY – The Ambassador of Thailand to the Philippines, Thanatip Upatising, and his wife Monthip on Friday paid a courtesy call on Mayor Belen Fernandez after visiting Thai students enrolled at the Lyceum University (LNU) in this city.

The Ambassador said he and his wife wanted to see how well the Thai students were doing in their studies and in their stay in Dagupan City.

Thanatip told Mayor Fernandez that the Thai students spoke well of the city's well managed peace and order, adding that Dagupan is clean and a stress-free place for them to stay and study.

Mayor Fernandez said she was humbled to hear such good impression from Thai students about Dagupan and asked how the city could help them while they are in the city.

On his part, Ambassador Thanatip extended his invitation to Mayor Fernandez to visit Thailand this November.

The mayor also expressed interest in learning Thailand's best practices in agriculture.

"This is one good opportunity for us to learn Thailand's best practices in agriculture and One Town One Product which comes at an appropriate time when we are cleaning our rivers," Fernandez said.

She said she will tag along some personnel from the City Agriculture Office when she visits Thailand. (PNA)



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BATAC CITY — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) will unveil for the first time a historical marker, a larger than life sculpture of former President Ferdinand Marcos in his hometown Batac City on Sunday.

The statue locally known as, "Daytoy ti Bannawag monument" had long been at the Batac City park but this was repositioned on a four-meter pedestal at the newly-redesigned city square in time for the centenary celebration of the birth of Marcos.

Ilocos Norte Tourism Officer Ianree Raquel said Friday the bronze monument has been attributed to Italian sculptor Giuseppe Marinucci.

"This is the first standard issue government marker that says he's a former president and soldier," Raquel said, citing that the NHCP is mandated to commemorate historical milestones such as the centenary birth celebration of the late strongman.

NHCP Chairperson Dr. Rene Escalante is expected to grace the formal turnover of the marker to the provincial government.

The Bannawag monument was inaugurated in 1977 at the Batac City park but with the on-going re-design of the city square, the monument was moved to a better location and will be unveiled to the public on Sunday. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Policemen on Friday searched the house of Maasin Vice Mayor Francis Amboy for illegal guns and ammunition but yielded negative results.

Amboy, included in the narco-list of President Rodrigo Duterte, was allegedly in possession and control of caliber .45 pistol, 9mm pistol, assorted ammunition, magazine assemblies and accessories, which he reportedly kept inside his residence at Confesor Subdivision, Mabini, Maasin, Iloilo.

The joint team of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) and the Maasin Municipal Police Station (MPS) was armed with a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court-6 Branch 31 acting presiding judge Gemalyn Faunillo- Tarol.

The search, however, turned "negative" as nothing was recovered from the residence of the elected official, said Police Chief Inspector Jonathan Pinuela, chief of the IPPO intelligence unit, who led the implementation of the warrant.

Amboy, meantime, was appreciative that the police operatives followed the right process in implementing the search warrant.

He admitted that he used to have a 9mm pistol but he already surrendered it to the Maasin MPS after its license expired. (PNA)



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LEGAZPI CITY --- An alert was raised Friday afternoon in Bicol after a magnitude 8 quake occurred off Mexico advising the disaster councils of the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur and Norte to be on their toes, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol said.

The OCD issued the advisory directing all disaster councils of the five Bicol provinces to be on high alert and closely monitor a possible sea level rise in their respective shorelines, Cherry Ann Balingit, OCD administration chief, said.

Balingit, in a phone interview, said that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued at around 1:09 p.m. Friday Tsunami Information Bulletin No. 1 Advisory of a possible sea-level change following an earthquake with 8.0 magnitude that occurred off the coast of Chiapas, Mexico at 12:490 p.m. (Phil Standard Time) also Friday, with a depth of 33km.

The advisory said the earthquake has the potential to generate a destructive tsunami that can strike coastlines in the regions that are near the epicenter within minutes to hours.

The OCD has advised the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to activate the town and city DRRMCs for possible evacuation of residents of coastal villages as preemptive measure.

Though the advisory stated that "No Evacuation Order" was in effect, coastal communities in the eastern seaboard of Bicol that are fronting the Pacific Ocean were advised to be on the lookout.

These areas are in Albay, particularly the towns and cities in the eastern seaboard such as Manito, Rapu-Rapu, Santo Domingo, Bacacay, Malilipot, Malinao, Tiwi and the cities of Legazpi and Tabaco.  (PNA)



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GAPAN CITY, Nueva Ecija -- The city government and police officials here have set a goal of finally declaring the entire city drug-free by September 16.

Mayor Emerson Pascual said the target was reached during the recent meeting of barangay chairmen, city, and police officials in connection with the government's campaign against illegal drugs.

Pascual said the local government has pledged an all-out support with the police's legal operations against the menace.

"I understand this problem on illegal drugs cannot be done without the help of local officials," he said.

On top of police operations, Pascual said they aim to bring to their city-level rehabilitation program, particularly in Bahay Pagbabago, people hooked on illegal substance.

At Bahay Pagbabago, he said confessed drug users undergo systematic rehabilitation program which include spiritual, psychological, and physical formation.

They were also given technology and vocational skills education in cooperation with concerned government agencies to make sure the drug surrenderers can be productive members of the society when they return to society.

Some of the previous Bahay Pagbabago graduates have acquired MC 2 certificates from the Provincial Manpower and Training Center (PMTC) in pursuing overseas jobs.

"I will support them in their expenses if they want to use abroad what they have learned inside the Bahay Pagbabago," he said.

Police Supt. Peter Madria, city police chief, said 63 of the 1,296 confessed drug users who surfaced under the police's Oplan Tokhang have finished the local reformatory courses. (PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Joint operatives arrested an alleged member of a major drug group operating in parts of Region 12 in an operation on Sunday in nearby Koronadal City in South Cotabato.

Gil Cesario Castro, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Region 12 director, identified the suspect as businessman Ruel Espinosa alias Balong, 54, who was listed as a "high value drug dealer."

He said the suspect is a member of the El Patron Drug Group, which operates in Koronadal City and nearby cities and municipalities in Region 12.

Castro said Espinosa was arrested following a search operation at around 6:15 a.m. at the latter's rice mill in Purok Kaunlaran, Barangay Sto. Nino in Koronadal City.

The raiding team was composed of elements from PDEA-12, Joint Task Force GenSan and the Police Regional Office 12's Special Action Force.

He said they recovered during the raid some 100 grams of suspected metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu with an estimated value of P500,000, a digital weighing scale, a rifle grenade, a para ordnance caliber .45 handgun and a hi-cap cal. 45 magazine with 12 rounds live ammunition.

Castro said they launched another search at around 7:50 a.m. at the suspect's residence at Block 2, Callejo Subdivision in Barangay General Paulino Santos that yielded two M4 rifles with 30 rounds of live ammunition, a caliber .22 airgun rifle and an aluminum container with airgun ammunition.

The operatives also searched a house at a farm owned by the suspect's farm but did not find any illegal item.
The official said they have long been monitoring the movements of the suspect, who is allegedly linked to other drug groups in other parts of the country.

"He uses his businesses as conduit of the illegal drug trade in the area," Castro said in a statement on Monday.
In an interview with reporters, Espinosa denied any involvement in the El Patron Drug Group.

The suspect admitted that he owned several firearms but noted that they were all licensed.

Castro said Espinosa will be charged with violation of Section 11 or possession of dangerous drugs, under Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Additional charges for violation of RA 10591 or illegal possession of firearms and ammunition would also be filed against the suspect, he said.

"In the coming days, we will escalate the drug war with focus on drug lords in our region," Castro said.

Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

In the past several months, police and the PDEA-12 dismantled several drug groups operating in Sarangani, South Cotabato and North Cotabato.(AVE/PNA)



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TAGBILARAN City, Bohol -- Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary Leonido Pulido III is set to shed light on the higher prices of fuel in Bohol compared to adjacent provinces.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), upon the motion of SP Member Tomas Abapo Jr., called for an investigation on the disparity of fuel prices in Bohol and those in nearby Negros Oriental and Cebu provinces.

The SP Ad Hoc Committee created for the purpose originally set the hearing for September 8, but had to move it to September 15 since Pulido could not make it due to conflict of schedule.

The Ad Hoc Committee is composed of Acting Vice-Governor Venzencio Arcamo as chairman and Abapo, SP Member Abel Damalerio and SP Member Elipidio Jala as members.

The SP decided in June to initiate another probe on the higher prices of fuel in Bohol after Abapo delivered a privilege speech where he raised the issue on the disparity of the prices of gasoline and diesel in Tagbilaran City and neighboring Dumaguete City by PHP4 per liter.

Upon Abapo's motion, the SP created an Ad Hoc committee to investigate the matter in aid of legislation.

Abapo then moved for another investigation on the noticeable difference of pump prices of petroleum products in Bohol, particularly Tagbilaran City, and other provinces.

In his privilege speech, Abapo cited the concern of Jose Cagas, a resident of Barangay Booy in Tagbilaran City, saying that diesel prices in Dumaguete City were cheaper by PHP4. It raised a concern, considering that Tagbilaran and Dumaguete are just near each other.

Abapo noted that the SP already investigated the matter last year but remained unresolved and has to be looked into again.

It has been observed the disparity of fuel prices in Bohol and those in other provinces has narrowed from PHP8-PHP12 per liter in 2014 to an average of PHP3 at present.

However, the provincial leaders noted the price difference despite the entry of some independent players.

Governor Edgar Chatto even threatened then to elevate the matter to Malacañang and might file cases against those found to be manipulating the prices of fuel.

Chatto later consulted higher national officials, the DOE, and the Energy Regulatory Commission to address the prevailing concern since his assumption as governor.

The governor relayed the matter to First District Rep. Rene Relampagos so the latter could elevate the matter to Congress and Senate.

The DOE then sent a team to Bohol to inspect all the fuel stations in the city and the towns to verify the reports in response to the clamor of Boholanos for reduction of the disparity of prices here and the other provinces.

The series of conferences and actions by provincial leaders regarding the mounting complaints on the huge disparity of the fuel prices here compared to other areas in the country prompted the DOE to expand their monitoring coverage to the towns instead of only within Tagbilaran City.

The DOE has been studying the issue and is set to issue a comparison on prices of oil in the past three years covering all islands, provinces, certain cities and the entire Bohol.

The distance of Bohol from the refinery in Luzon is one of the factors cited for the higher prices of fuel here.

On this, the new investigation to be launched by the SP Ad Hoc committee will delve into the still noticeable lower prices in Dumaguete City which is just of comparable geographical distance with Bohol from Luzon.

Another factor to be considered is the presence of more independent players in other provinces than in Bohol.

The DOE confirmed earlier that it has received several reports about the high prices of petroleum products in Bohol.

The matter had also been raised by Chatto before the Regional Development Council as early as during his first term as governor.

In 2014 when the issue made the headlines, the Big Three -- Petron, Shell and Caltex -- dropped the prices but the problem recurred later.

The previous Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tagbilaran City had also conducted its own investigation on the matter, yet remains an issue until today.(Angeline Valencia/PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Police arrested the mayor of Tampakan town in South Cotabato and his son after yielding several unlicensed firearms and ammunition in separate anti-drug raids on Monday.

Chief Insp. Alex Joe Orcajada, chief of the Police Regional Office-12's Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU), said unlicensed firearms and ammunition were recovered from the houses of Tampakan Mayor Leornardo Escobillo and his son Leonardo Jr. in Barangay Maltana.

The mayor, who is currently on his third term, condemned the raid and denied any involvement in illegal drug activities.

The operation was based on 15 search warrants for possession of illegal drugs, firearms and explosives issued by Judge Alandrex Betoya of the Regional Trial Court Branch 16 in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

The police official said they initially raided the residence of Leonardo Jr. at Purok 6 in Maltana at around 4 a.m.

He said the search resulted to the recovery of an unlicensed caliber .40 handgun with live ammunition.

A caliber .45 handgun with live bullets was also found but it carried proper licenses and permits.

At around 6:10 a.m., Orcajada said they implemented another search at the house of Mayor Escobillo in tge same barangay.

Seized from the mayor's house were two unlicensed carbine rifles with live ammunition, he said.

Two licensed caliber .45 handguns, a shotgun, an Uzi sub-machine gun and assorted bullets were also found.

No illegal drugs were found during the raids.

The search at a nearby house of the mayor's other son, Niel Ryan, was called off by the raiding team due to unspecified reasons.

Leonardo Jr. is currently detained at the Tampakan municipal police station while Mayor Escobillo is under hospital arrest at a medical facility in Koronadal City after reportedly suffering from hypertension.

In a brief press conference before he was sent to the hospital, Mayor Escobillo decried the manner as to how the raid was carried out by the RDEU.

"They kicked and destroyed the door of my house before even presenting the search warrants," he said.

He claimed that all the recovered firearms at his house have proper licenses and permits and that he owned them for security purposes.

The mayor blamed politics as behind the raid, which he said was based on "wrong information" fed to authorities.

His detained son, Leonardo Jr., has been rumored to be eyeing the mayoralty post in the 2019 elections.

"I have supported the war on drugs of the President (Rodrigo Duterte) and the people of Tampakan and the police know that. This is clearly politically-motivated," he said.

Mayor Escobillo said he will face the charges squarely and expressed willingness to undergo a drug test.

Lawyer Jose Ledda Jr., the mayor's counsel, said they are currently considering legal counter-moves in line with the raid.

"But right now, we're on wait and see mode. We're waiting what the police will do," he said.

He added that Mayor Escobillo and his son were innocent of the accusations and ready to prove them.(PNA)   



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DAVAO CITY -- Some 3,000 members of the Phiippine Councilors League (PCL) will convene next week for three days of learning sessions aimed at upgrading practices on several compelling issues.

The PCL's 2nd Series of the Continuing Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP) will also be held simultaneously with the 3rd quarterly meeting of the National Executive Officers-National Board (NEO-NB) led by Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang as national chair and Chavit Singson of Ilocos Sur as national president.

Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chair of the City Council's Committee on Tourism and International Relations and PCL Davao City Chapter vice president, said the agenda at the PCL convention will be aligned with the campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte against illegal drugs and corruption.

Alejandre said more participants are expected this year because of the increase in direct flight connections to Davao. In 2015, the PCL convention here in Davao registered about 2,600 councilors.

He said the continuing education of the league's members is provided in the PCL's Constitution and By-Laws. This year's theme is "Philippine Councilors League: Christian-Muslim Councilors are one for Peace and Development."

Among the speakers, lawyer Jose Lorena will talk on the "Role of Legislators in Peace and Development" while lawyer Jesus Villardo will tackle the "Role of Legislators in Conflict Sensitivity and Peace and Development."

PCL has also invited Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar; officials from the National Economic and Development Authority and Department of Agriculture; Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales; Senator Manny Pacquiao; Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald Dela Rosa; and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Suicide issues should not be taken lightly as data showed increasing and alarming cases not only in Western Visayas but globally, according to the Department of Health (DOH) official here.

"Don't be complacent. Take it seriously when they say that they want to take suicide," said Dr. Mary Ann Sta. Lucia, DOH 6 regional violence and injury prevention alliance (VIPA) coordinator, during Monday's press conference.

Violence and injury cuts across the mental health program because 80 to 95 percent of people committing suicide have mental conditions, led by cases of depression, she added.

The online national electronic injury surveillance system (ONEISS) showed that in the third quarter of 2014, Western Visayas ranked third in terms of hanging or strangulation cases and moved up to number one in the fourth quarter of the same year.

The region remained at the top spot during the first two quarters of 2015 and went back to the third slot in the third quarter of the same year and second and fourth quarter of 2016.

In 2016, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) recorded 13 suicide cases with a 19-year old male as the youngest victim and a 63-year old male as the oldest.

From January to June this year, ICPO recorded five cases, the youngest was a 22-year old male and the oldest was a 74-year old male.

Sta. Lucia said Western Visayas is ready to respond to possible cases of suicide with an intensive advocacy that was launched two years ago.

Western Visayas ranks third in the country in terms of number of psychiatrists. The region has around 50 with more than half based in Iloilo, she said.

Health officers of local government units (LGUs) were also trained under the mental health global action program of the World Health Organization. Some 70 to 80 percent of the municipal health officers have been trained under the program since 2014.

"This is designed to bring the psychiatrist down to the municipal or city level," she said. "With that, we decongest the number of psychiatric cases going to the hospitals," she added.

She said Western Visayas has only two government hospitals providing service to psychiatric patients. These are the Western Visayas Medical Center and the Pototan Mental Hospital.

For adolescents, those with issues can access the Adolescent Health Connect (AH Connect) where a trained counselor is willing to listen to their woes.

Of the 285 calls and texts messages received by the AH Connect, 16 were issues on mental health, said Jema Dignadice, officer-in-charge of the AH Connect.

Moreover, VIPA has responders for all kinds of rescue. She said that the conduct of a suicide prevention forum in schools is marked by a simulation exercise with the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP) negotiation team, special weapon and tactics (SWAT), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) special rescue unit.

The BFP has a suicide rescue inflatable bag that can reach as high as a seven-storey building.

Sta. Lucia emphasized the need for everyone to be aware of the warning signs if ever a person has a tendency to commit suicide. These include dramatic change in mood, behavior or appearance; giving away of valued possession; life-threatening behavior; dark themes in music or artwork; history of suicide; and loss of important persons through death, break-up or suicide.

WHO disclosed that worldwide, one person commits suicide every 40 seconds. For each suicide, there are likely to be more than 20 suicide attempts.

More than 800,000 die every year due to suicide. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Provincial governments are encouraged to enact a road safety ordinance to integrate laws that mandate the use of helmet and seat belt, discourage overspeeding and the anti-distracted driving act to prevent road accidents.

Dr. Mary Ann Sta. Lucia, Department of Health regional violence and injury prevention alliance (VIPA) coordinator for Western Visayas, who attended the Global Road Safety Leadership Course in the United States on July 30 to August 11, 2017, said the DOH has intensified its road safety advocacy.

Under the VIPA in Western Visayas, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Iloilo City Transportation Management and Traffic Regulation Office (TMTRO) and Iloilo City have convened to look into road safety management issues, she said.

However, the attitude of drivers remains to be a problem and this is one factor that cannot be changed overnight, she added.

She said the provinces of Iloilo, Guimaras and Antique have already crafted their own ordinances on road safety while it is being deliberated in Aklan.

Negros Occidental is inviting VIPA in November for a discussion on the passage of the ordinance.

Western Visayas is among five regions in the country with the highest cases of road accidents,
according to the online national electronic injury surveillance system (ONEISS). (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III on Monday expressed his preference to sell the Balili Resort as the provincial government has no use for the property.

"If I were to decide, we would sell the Balili property because, as of the moment, it is not useful. Although there are livestock there, I don't see any beneficial purpose of the real property to the province. So, for me, it's better to sell it," Davide said.

However, the governor said they will still evaluate the selling price for the property since it was bought for PHP98 million and it also cost the provincial government PHP48 million for the backfilling of some area.

Former Governor Gwen Garcia bought the 25-hectare Balili property in Naga City, south of Cebu City but it was found out later that the land is partly underwater.

"I'd like to know what will be the decision of our Economic Enterprise Council (EEC) because if I were to decide, I'd rather sell it," Davide said.

The City of Naga last Tuesday offered to buy the controversial property from the Provincial Government.

Naga Mayor Kristine Chiong said she plans to develop the property to further spur economic growth in the city.

The Balili property is being eyed as an industrial park or economic zone to generate job opportunities for Naga residents. (USJR intern Levirose Caballero/PNA)



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CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan --  Police killed an armed drug dealer who tried to elude arrest and engaged lawmen in a firefight during a buy bust operation in Barangay San Martin here Wednesday.

In a report to Bulacan police director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat Jr., San Jose del Monte City police chief Supt Fitz Macariola on Thursday also said that a drug pushing couple were nabbed in Barangay Gumaok Central, while seven other persons were nabbed while having a "shabu" session in Barangay Citrus.

Macariola identified the slain drug dealer as Jomar Luban of Barangay Bagong Buhay in this city.

He said the suspect was included in the Barangay Anti-Drug Council (BADAC) watch list of drug pushers in the said area.

Macariola said the suspect sold a plastic sachet of shabu worth PHP500 to a police undercover agent.

"But when the lawmen was about to arrest him, Luban ran and escaped, then drew a handgun, firing at the pursuing operatives who were prompted to fire back that resulted to the death of the suspect," he said.

A Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team from the Bulacan PNP Crime Laboratory recovered from the suspect a 9mm pistol still loaded with three live bullets, a red pouch containing nine plastic sachets of suspected shabu, and eight pieces of fired catridge of 9mm bullets.

Police anti-narcotics operatives, on the other hand, arrested the husband and wife tandem of Fernando and Maria Bringula after selling a sachet of shabu worth PHP500 to a police undercover agent.

The duo did not resist arrest. However, when frisked, the couple yielded 11 more plastic sachets of shabu.

Macariola also reported that seven persons were caught sniffing shabu in a suspected dope den in Barangay Citrus after a concerned citizen tipped-off the police.

Appropriate charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act will be filed against the arrested suspects. (PNA)

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LAOAG CITY — The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of (SDO) of Ilocos Norte is eyeing International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 certification as it continues to improve its services into world-class quality.

The ISO standards require an organization to enhance customer satisfaction through effective and efficient application of its system and processes.

Of the more than 200 DepEd schools divisions in the country, Ilocos Norte aims to become the first division in Region 1 to be ISO-certified.

Similar with the Laoag City School Division, Schools Division Superintendent Vilma Eda said Thursday DepEd Ilocos Norte is also undergoing the tedious processes of ISO certification.

Jannibal Lojero of the Ilocos Norte Divison Office reported also Thursday that at least 10 modules will be tackled in trainings until 2018 for the ISO-preparedness journey.

The first batch was conducted on August 29 to Sept. 2, attended by 32 employees while another batch will be scheduled again on September 11-15.

"As of the moment, we are preparing ourselves to be ready of the processes because we would like to have the ISO-certification by March 2018," Lojero said, citing the overall process is indeed "very challenging and tough work because we would like to give a good quality product and service to our customers." (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The Department of Health (DOH) is eyeing Iloilo City's drug rehabilitation program as a model, according to City Health Office head, Dr. Bernard Caspe.

Caspe said they were supposed to present in Manila this city's 'CrossRoads' outpatient rehabilitation program, which so far has produced 408 graduates.

The rehabilitation of additional 273 drug surrenderers is ongoing in the city's seven rehabilitation centers.
The supposed presentation, however, was "postponed indefinitely," he added.

The city government is waiting for information when it can present the program to the DOH.

"In the whole Philippines, it is only Iloilo City that has this kind of out-patient (rehabilitation program), which is four to six months," he stated in an interview Wednesday afternoon.

The rehab program was launched in August 2016. It was the brainchild of Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog with an Ilonggo psychiatrist as consultant in support of the anti-drug war campaign of the Duterte administration.

One rehab center was established in each of the city's seven districts and being manned by trained health and support personnel.

Caspe said the program has an 85 percent success rate. The remaining 15 percent, however, was unable to complete the program due to the failure to complete the 90 days mandatory attendance while others were still found to be positive with hard drugs.

The monitoring of graduates continues after they completed the program. They are required to still undergo after-care program where they go back to the center at least once a week.

Others are subjected to random drug tests, while some opted to avail of skills training available at the Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC) or look for work with the assistance of the city's Public Employment Services Office (PESO).

After finishing the one-year after care program, they will receive a certificate, which they can use when looking for a job abroad, he added.

Caspe said they are ready to accommodate more surrenderers with the relaunch of the "Oplan Reboot", which calls for the Philippine National Police to revisit all suspected drug dependents.

The city government through the CHO has trained 42 dangerous drugs evaluators (DDE) to augment the 55 others previously trained by the DOH. They were responsible in determining the level of addiction of drug dependents.

The "CrossRoads" caters only up to moderate addiction while severe addiction cases are being referred to the rehab center in Pototan for in-patient treatment.

Meantime, city administrator Lawyer Hernando Galvez said they are waiting for a document coming from the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the city government to release the PhP500,000 it has earmarked for the capture of Western Visayas top drug leader Richard Prevendido.

Prevendido died during a police operation last week. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- An increase in the salary of "kasambahay" or household helpers in Western Visayas is being considered by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-6 this October.

Wennie Sancho, labor sector representative to the RTWPB-6, said Thursday public hearings will be held in Iloilo City and Bacolod City on October 16 and 24, respectively, on the proposed PHP800 wage increase.

Sancho said the proposed amount may still increase or decrease depending on the result of the deliberation of the Board.

Based on the last wage order issued on February 2015, a "kasambahay" in cities and first-class municipalities should receive PHP2,500 while those in other towns should get PHP2,000 per month.

Republic Act No. 10361, or the Domestic Workers Act or Batas Kasambahay also provides that "kasambahays" are entitled to a 13th month pay.

Non-payment of 13th month pay is a violation of labor standards, and erring employers may face administrative charges and corresponding penalties.

Last year, reports from the United Domestic Workers in the Philippines showed that about 50 percent of almost two million house helpers in the country are not receiving their 13th month pay.

Moreover, Sancho said the RTWPB-6 will send survey forms to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) including cities and municipalities in the region to gather information on the status of "kasambahay" in every locality.

He noted that this is in response to the failure of local government units (LGUs) to implement the "kasambahay" registration.

Under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular 2013-61 issued on July 2013, all barangays are directed to establish desks for "kasambahay" registration. (PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- The Department of Energy (DOE) will bring to the Visayas its "E-Power Mo" campaign as part of its commitment to empower energy consumers and stakeholders in the country.

Through "E-Power Mo," the DOE hopes that people in the Visayas can avail of vital information about recent developments in the energy sector, including, but not limited to policies, programs and plans.

"We will empower energy consumers and stakeholders through education on their energy options, so that they can make informed choices," DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi said Thursday during the opening of the Energy Investment Forum and Stakeholders Conference at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel here.

"E-Power Mo" serves as President Rodrigo Duterte's energy policy agenda with the following objectives: to develop and utilize the energy resources available to Filipinos for wealth creation and global competition (E-Power Mo); undertake safety and savings measures through energy efficiency (E-Safety Mo); secure the delivery of quality, reliable and affordable energy services (E-Secure Mo); and empower consumers through a wide range of options in utilizing conventional, renewable and alternative energy sources (E-Diskarte Mo).

"Why we are here? We are here as part of our intensified information and education campaign. It's intensified because we gathered all stakeholders from different energy sectors," DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentabella said.

"We in the DOE are intensifying our dissemination of program and activities. We like to ensure sustainable, stable, secure and sufficient accessible and affordable supply of power in propelling energy development," DOE-Visayas Director Antonio Labios, for his part, said.

The DOE also launched the documentary "Lampara ng Pangarap" which tackles options in coping with energy poverty using alternative energy technology and solutions. (USJR intern Levirose Caballero/PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Negros Oriental assured on Thursday that it is doing its best to speed up the release of payments for students enrolled in the Government Internship Program (GIP).

Maritess Mercado, DOLE provincial head, gave the assurance following reports that many of the students who availed of the GIP have not been paid yet for about two months since the program started.

These include those who have been assigned to the local government unit (LGU) of Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental.

According to Mercado, the release of payment was stalled due to the expiration of the bond of one of their disbursement officers recently, thus, a cash advance for the salaries could not be made.

Mercado, however, said other GIP enrollees in Negros Oriental have already been paid, but the DOLE is saddled with other paper works for review by its regional office in Region 7 or Central Visayas and they are observing a "first come, first served" policy.

As per records of the DOLE, the GIP budget for Negros Oriental for 2017 is PHP10.550 million, covering 323 students, Mercado disclosed.

The money is to be downloaded from the DOLE regional office to its provincial office.

Mercado added they are now in the process of making arrangements with a courier so they can release the payment of salaries directly to the GIP enrollee as it is risky to be bringing huge sums of money to the different towns and cities in the province where the GIP is being implemented.

The release of payment for GIP beneficiaries for the Dumaguete LGU, most of them working at City Hall, is expected by next week at the earliest, Mercado said. (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY -- The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) has urged animal raisers in Negros Occidental to follow the protocol on animal health as the bird flu crisis ended.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena said Thursday the pronouncement made by the Department of Agriculture (DA) will fully erase the "fear" created by the outbreak even among provinces outside Luzon like Negros Occidental.

It is already manifested by the increases in demand and prices of poultry and poultry products in the province for the last two weeks, said Decena.

For dressed chicken, a total increase of PHP2.14 per kilogram for the last two weeks was noted by the PVO.

Regarding the request of two big associations of gamefowl breeders in Negros Occidental to extend the shipment ban, he said animal movement regulation is ordered by the DA through a memorandum circular.

"Thus, we must abide the order of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol," said Decena, adding that "lifting of travel ban has scientific basis which we must follow."

Upon declaring that the bird flu outbreak is over, the agriculture chief announced that recovery works will also start.

Piñol said he signed the circular lifting the quarantine restrictions in the seven-kilometer controlled area radius around the town of San Luis in Pampanga, and in towns of Jaen and San Isidro in Nueva Ecija.

This is upon the recommendations made by the biosecurity experts on August 31, he said.

This means that poultry and poultry products from the affected areas could now be transported to other destinations or markets.

Piñol, however, said quarantine restrictions and surveillance are still in place in the one-kilometer radius of the three towns.

Farmers will only be allowed to raise chicken, ducks and quails again after 90 days from the day the disinfection of the areas ended, he added. (PNA)



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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Palawan is expected to approve a proposed ordinance that will grant PHP10,000 and other privileges to centenarians in the province.

Board Member Cherry Pie Acosta, main author of the resolution, said it is essential to grant "Centenarian Gift" in the said amount in recognition of their longevity and PHP2,000 each every birthday provided they submit required documents.

"This ordinance shall be known as Palawan Centenarian Ordinance of 2017, and shall cover those residing in the province who have reached 100 years old and above," Acosta said.

The implementation of the proposed ordinance will be led by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) in coordination with the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of the 23 towns in Palawan.

The beneficiaries will qualify if they are listed to the PSWDO by their respective MSWDOs with documents and general intake sheets.

The centenarian gift is a one-time cash award that will be taken from available funds of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

A plaque of recognition will also be awarded to the living centenarian, and the PHP2,000 birthday cash gift every year that his/her birthday is celebrated.

She said the ordinance, which is co-authored by all Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, is in compliance with Republic Act 10868 known as the Centenarian Act of 2016, honoring and granting additional benefits and privileges to Filipino centenarians.

Acosta further cited that under Section 1, Paragraph D of Republic Act 9994, the provision of additional cash incentives "will encourage the centenarians' families and their communities to reaffirm the valued Filipino tradition of caring for the senior citizens." (PNA)



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KAWIT, Cavite -- A Cavite historian here has urged teachers and educators to "share the lessons from mistakes and defects which led to our past leaders' failures and misfortunes" aside from the country's history of triumphs and highlights on our forefather's heroism, bravery and accomplishments.

In his talk before Cavite-based history and social studies educators at the Baldomero Aguinaldo Museum here, Dr. Pablo R. Iya,  Cavite Studies Center (CSC) director and known Kabitenyo historian, revealed the various conflicts that led to the downfall of the First Republic that President Emilio Aguinaldo established in 1898 .

Iya highlighted the role of history as a discipline "na magsisilbing salamin, tagapagturo, at gabay ng mga tao para makamit ang ganap na pa-gunlad at pagbabago" (to serve as a mirror, teacher and guide for the people as we aspire for development and change).

The three-part lecture dwelt on the leadership style of President Emilio Aguinaldo, which brought the domination of the "haves" (term for the intellect and the rich) – which sparked the series of conflicts in Aguinaldo's government.

Iya also discussed the alleged corrupt practices, maltreatment and harassment done by Aguinaldo's Cabinet; and the relationship of the Church and the State, "which issues, I can say, are haunting us 'till this day."

By knowing and understanding our forefather's mistakes, the present generation – as future leaders – "could learn and correct" as they help shape the future of our country –"something that is peaceful, bountiful, honorable, just, free and convenient for all," added Iya.

Iya also disclosed that the successful establishment of Aguinaldo's Revolutionary Government was through the support of the people. "kung walang mamamayan, walang bayan," (No citizenry support, no country).

The lecture forms part of the month-long celebration which the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) lined up under the theme: "Kasaysayan-Susi Tungo sa Nasyonalismo't Pambansang Kamalayan (History: Key towards Nationalism and National Awareness).

The History Month celebration was focused on awakening nationalism among the present generation by connecting the lessons "then to now," through the understanding of important historical events. (Gladys Senires-Pino/PNA)

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CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga -- The construction of the additional 20- kilometer new road lanes as well as the widening and major rehabilitation works of four major roads here are nearing completion, in time for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings set to be held in Clark this November.

In a report submitted to Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president-CEO Noel Manankil, the Construction and Management Division (CMD) of the state-owned firm said the rehabilitation of the three major highways in Clark, namely Manuel A. Roxas, Claro M. Rector and Jose Abad Santos, has attained about 90 percent completion.

CMD said the widening project is CDC's contribution to the massive infrastructure projects of the Duterte administration under the "Build, Build, Build!" mantra.

For 2017, CDC is spending PHP1.3 billion from its internally-generated funds.

With the expected influx of investment and vehicular traffic here, CDC has earmarked some PHP409 million for the road widening and construction of drainage system affected by the expanded road networks.

Meanwhile, the additional road lanes include the 6.6 kilometers along Manuel A. Roxas Highway which was widened from two to three lanes on both sides; the 2.4 kilometers at the entire stretch of Claro M. Recto Avenue of which one lane was added on each side, including the rehabilitation of the drainage system; and the 3.5-kilometer additional lane to the entire stretch of Jose Abad Santos Avenue. All these new lanes are now passable to all types of vehicles.

CMD stated in its report that Gil Puyat Avenue, the main thoroughfare leading to Mabalacat Gate, is only passable to light vehicles due to the ongoing construction.

CMD estimated that the road being rehabilitated is halfway through the major rehabilitation for the 6.8-kilometer road. The said highway is being used by motorists coming from Mabalacat City in Pampanga and those coming from Tarlac province and other areas in Northern Luzon.

CMD also reported that Friendship Gate has been widened on approaches for ingress and egress here and the guard house has been completed that can be accessed by motorists going to and from of Clark and Angeles City.

CDC has earmarked PHP142.68 million for the widening of M.A. Roxas Highway; PHP119.89 million for the Gil Puyat road network including the drainage system; PHP86.1 million for the Jose Abad Santos; and PHP51.7 million for Claro M. Recto Avenue.

CMD said these infrastructure projects are geared towards helping the corporation fulfill its commitment to Clark's stakeholders to transform the Freeport into a modern industrial estate, premier service and logistics hub for tourism and leisure. (PNA)



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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- The province of Pangasinan remains free from the dreaded Japanese encephalitis (JE) amid reports that an eight-year-old girl allegedly died from the disease.

This was disclosed by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman, citing a joint investigation of the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) and Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) showing that the girl from Asan Norte in Sison, Pangasinan died of dengue last September 3.

This rectified the claim of the victim's mother quoting a doctor from the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center who attended to her daughter as saying that she died because of Japanese encephalitis.

This means that, to date, the province of Pangasinan does not have any patient diagnosed with Japanese encephalitis, a disease also caused by mosquito bite like dengue and has symptoms similar to dengue.

The girl from Sison was first brought to a hospital in Rosario, La Union and after that, to the La Union Provincial Hospital in Agoo.

The premature diagnosis sans basis that the girl died of Japanese encephalitis caused panic in both Pangasinan and La Union and the doctor who made this observation may be liable under the law, De Guzman said.

De Guzman explained that the girl did not have any meningeal symptoms, among them rigidity in the neck which is common among those inflicted with Japanese encephalitis.

The PHO has ordered misting operations in Asan Norte, Sison where the dengue fatality came from to drive away mosquitoes that cause dengue and even Japanese encephalitis. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- Various government offices with frontline services have gathered in one venue as part of the 'Government Express at the Mall' facilitated by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

"Of course, aside from the opportunity to transact business, this is declaring to all that we have a government that would attend to their needs," said CSC Director IV Rodolfo Encajonado during Wednesday afternoon's interview after the opening of the Government Express at the Mall and Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) exhibit at the SM City here.

Encajonado said that participants are agencies that usually have long queue of people doing transactions and those that are most complained of.

Meanwhile, he said the delivery of government services has improved a lot since the implementation of the ARTA while the way people view government service has also changed.

He cited for instance the Social Security System (SSS), which has migrated into a bigger location and even made available services in the mall.  Before it used to have a small office and the queue of transacting public is long.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) did not only improve its services but also its office and facilities. "It redounded to the benefit of the officials and employees as well," he added.

The challenge now is how to meet the "increased expectation" of the public, he said.

"They now know their rights so they claim for their rights and therefore agencies have also to improve not only their service but also their facilities," he added.

The government express at the mall and ARTA exhibit is part of the activities in line with the founding anniversary of the CSC.

The CSC on Thursday also honored 11 regional winners in the 2017 Search for Outstanding Government Workers under the Honor Awards Program (HAP). HAP has three categories namely Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awad, Pag Asa Award ang Dangal ng Bayan Award.

The regional winners for the Presidential Lingkod Bayan area Lucia L. Lastimoza, Proffesor II of the West Visayas State University and Ma. Lina P. Sanogal, department head at the provincial government of Negros Occidental.

The Dangal ng Bayan awardees are Delia B. Cornel, Master Teacher I at the DepEd Division of Bago City; Jose Kenedy P. Marcial, Administrative Aide IV at Altavas, Aklan LGU; Rosalina M. Lorque, Social Welfare Officer II of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)\ Region 6 and Vilma G. Limates, Chief Administrative Administrative Officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources  (DENR) in Guimaras.

The CSC Pag-Asa awardees are Lynette D. Aggabao,   Head Teacher I at DepEd Division of Capiz;  DepEd Division of La Carlota City Education Program Specialist II Corazon P. Aloro;  DepEd Division of Negros Occidental Principal III Marilyn N. Galvez,  Kalibo, Aklan municipal government department head Eleanor R. Isada and  DepEd – Guimaras district supervisor Leydee F. Sideño.

The winners will receive certificates of appreciation.

Meantime of the 11 regional winners, Sanogal, Lastimoza and Aloro have made it as national semi-finalists in their respective categories.  (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY --The Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) are worried they will lose the struggle of owning the land they are tilling after former Agrarian Reform Secretary Rene Mariano was rejected by the Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday.

This was expressed by ARB leaders of Wadecor Employees Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association, Inc. (WEARBAI) and the Madaum Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association, Inc. (MARBAI) leaders in a press conference here Thursday.

Antonio Tuyak, spokesperson for MARBAI which has still a pending case with the Lapanday Foods Corporation (LFC), was saddened by Mariano's rejection, whom they described as their only hope who could help them in their continued struggle.

Tuyak recalled that after many years it was only Mariano who implemented their installation to their land of 145 hectares in Madaum, Tagum, Davao del Norte in May, this year.

This was also the same sentiment expressed by Billy Kabintoy, secretary general of WEARBAI. He said the farmers are losing hope they will be finally installed to their claimed land of 485 hectares.

Kabintoy said it has been a long time since the 256 ARBs have been fighting for their installation.

Several administrations passed but it was only under Mariano whom they see hope to win in their struggle. But both Tuyak and Kabintoy are strongly committed to continuing their struggle.

They said their fight for their land does not stop with Mariano's rejection.

"Despite the rejection, the agrarian reform beneficiaries are not weakened. Ka Paeng was just an instrument in pursuit of the farmer's right of land. Deep in our hearts, Ka Paeng is rightly confirmed by the peasant mass movement and together with him, we will continue the struggle for genuine agrarian reform," Kabintoy said in a statement.

Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Southern Mindanao Region (KMP-SMR) in a statement the rejection of Mariano was expected because the CA is dominated by big landlords and powerful oligarchs.

Gerry Alborme, the acting secretary general of KMP-SMR, said Mariano has done positive accomplishments when he was the DAR secretary. He cited the installation of the MARBAI ARBs in Davao del Norte.

Alborme said it was unfortunate that Mariano was rejected considering that there are still many ARBs who need to be installed

Alborme vowed to continue to fight for genuine agrarian reform. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Impoverished upland communities in Gingoog City are at the losing end as communist rebels have continued to sabotage government projects aimed at improving the lives of the people.

This according to Gingoog City Mayor Marie Guingona as she accused the New People's Army (NPA) of preventing the local government from delivering basic services to Gingoog's hinterland barangays.

"We have focused on the hinterlands to bring more development and government services, to ensure that they progress along with the city and the rest of the nation," Guingona told members of the City Peace and Order Council during its quarterly meeting Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 6).

But the local government activities in the upland areas have angered the NPA, Guingona said, citing accounts of harassments and other atrocities.

For instance, the mayor said communist guerillas last month seized a chainsaw that was used to cut trees to build a school facility for the indigenous community in Barangay Bantaawan.

"Reportedly, these armed men were enraged because of the developments that we have brought to these areas – like the classrooms, roads, water system, electricity, livelihood programs and others – and they were urging the people there to case cooperation with the government," the mayor said.

Police Supt. Joel Lamiing, Gingoog police chief, also scored the NPA for allegedly abducting 10 workers and taking away some PhP1.2 million in cash when they attacked a construction firm on August 25.

Guingona herself and her mother, Ruth, were victims of NPA harassment when the rebels fired on their convoy in Barangay Alatagan in 2013. Two of Guingona's escorts were killed in that ambush.

The mayor appealed to the NPA to let the government do its job so that upland communities will not be deprived of basic services.


Lt. Col. Francis Carandang, commanding officer of the Philippine Army's 58th Infantry Battalion, said at least three NPA units operate in Gingoog and its boundaries—the Guerrilla Fronts 4A, 4B, and 4C. (PNA/Jigger J. Jerusalem)



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PALO, Leyte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has already invested PHP40.84 million for the establishment of 112 shared service facilities (SSF) in Eastern Visayas region as of end of July this year.

DTI Regional Director Cynthia Nierras said putting up SSF is a banner project of the government meant to improve the products of micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and raise their production volume.

"We celebrate the success that we have in the implementation of this program. We were able to establish various projects with 4,722 beneficiaries," said Nierras, during the first SSF regional summit here Thursday night.

SSF aims to improve the quality and productivity of MSMEs nationwide through the use of standard and quality machines. It also prioritizes the industry and clusters within the poor 609 towns in the country.

The country has 2,217 SSFs with a total budget of PHP1.18 billion. The government launched the project in 2013.

The SSF project is being implemented with project partners termed as cooperators, which include non-government organizations, people's organizations, cooperatives, industry/trade/business associations, local government units, state universities and colleges, technical vocational schools, and other similar government and training institutions.

The projects address processing and manufacturing bottlenecks of the industry cluster brought about by the absence of the needed facility, lack of capacity of an existing facility, cost of services of an existing facility is not affordable, lack of inadequate technical and administrative services for MSMEs.  (with reports from Patricia Salvo and Reynadel Costillas, OJT/PNA)



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PALO, Leyte – The local government unit here is poised to make one of its historical and religious sites to be a prime tourist destination in Leyte province.

The Guinhangdan Hill, found in Purisima village here, is an important landmark.

Commonly called as Hill 522, the site offers a panoramic view of the town and Leyte Gulf where American Gen. Douglas MacArthur landed on October 20, 1944.

Town Mayor Remedios Petilla said on Thursday they have set their sites in making the hill into a religious, tourism and historical site "rolled into one."

Guinhangdan Hill is a favorite pilgrimage site during Holy Week where thousands of Roman Catholic devotees in Leyte climb the 522 steps leading to the cross to offer candles and flowers.

During the observance of Holy Week this year, at least 30,000 pilgrims were noted to have climbed the hill on Good Friday alone.

Petilla said the hill has historical contributions as it served as the first entrance to the liberated town of Palo in 1944.

The existence of a garrison, she said, which was built by the Japanese artillery units, is one of the good reasons to visit the area.

The hill was also a site of fierce battles, which cost the lives of about 50 Japanese soldiers and at least three American soldiers.

Petilla said plans to enlarge the La Purisima Shrine ensconced at the foot of the hill is also being put into place. The shrine was constructed in 1887 by the Spaniards to dispel evil spirits, which people believed to be the cause of many accidents and deaths on the premises.

"With many pilgrims coming in to visit not just during the Holy Week, we need to enlarge the area where people light candles and say prayers before going up the hill," Petilla added.

As for the white cross on top of the Guinhangdan Hill, the mayor said it will not be replaced but will instead be improved. The local government earned flak early this year when it reportedly said to replace the more than 50-year-old cross, which has both historical and cultural significance.

Improvements of the nearby surroundings on the top of the hill are included in the plans for tourists to enjoy "picnic style" as the hill provides a scenic view of the Leyte Gulf, with the southwestern part of Samar Island across the sea, and the northeastern part of Leyte.

There is also a planned expansion of stairs to accommodate the volume of pilgrims and tourists expected to climb the site. Sufficient lightings will also be built to lit the whole area and ensure security during at night.

Meanwhile, the mayor said that informal settlers still living at the foot of the hill will "definitely have to be relocated" once development of the whole site starts. The settlers will be transferred to the various housing units being built by the local government. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), in partnership with the Regional Trial Court, has established a courtroom inside the detention facility of the Davao City Jail ensuring public safety and faster court proceedings.

This will address the issue of security threat, one of the reasons that delays court proceeding especially if it involves high risk profile suspects detained in jails.

There is also a concern that companions of the inmates might rescue them that can harm not just the jail personnel but also the public.

But this will not be a problem anymore because there is already a courtroom inside the detention facility.

On Thursday, the BJMP-11 and the Regional Trial Court unveiled the courtroom, which is donated by the Rotary Club of South Davao as part of their support to the community.

BJMP 11 Director Jail Sr. Supt. Amelia Rayandayan said the project is a big help on their part as it involves public safety.

"We know for a fact that we have been transporting them from jail to court and its quite risky," Rayandayan said.

She said it will be easy on their part if the high profile prisoners will be heard within the jail compound as there is no need to transport inmates and the risk will be lessened.

She said there were incidents in the past that the inmates were rescued by their co-accused while on their way to court.

RTC Executive Judge Emmanuel Carpio said the court inside the jail is a secured place for the high profile inmates.

"The travel time and the distance ... maybe a good chance for the inmate to escape or be rescued by some lawless elements," he said.

Carpio said that with the project donated to the jail, there is less hassle and less expense on the part of all the parties. "Hopefully, this will serve as one of the hallmarks and good project in Davao City," he said.

The Executive Judge said the Davao City Jail courtroom might be the first in the Philippines. One of the cases to be heard Friday involves the five members of the Maute Group.

They are the first high profile inmates to be heard in said courtroom in connection with the Roxas Night Market bombing. The suspects are TJ Macabalang, Wendel Apostol Facturan, Musali Mustapha, Zack Villanueva Lopez and Jericho De Rome who are facing terrorism, multiple murder, and multiple attempted murder charges. (Armando Fenequito Jr/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- Veteran international fighter Ernie Sanchez of General Santos City is now in Russia for a non-title fight against undefeated WBO Youth lightweight champion Mukkhammadkhuja Yaqubov on Saturday (September 9) at the Traktor Sport Palace in Chelyabinsk.

Sanchez, who is managed by Brico Santig, has a record of 17 wins with 8 knockouts against nine losses and one draw. He will be fighting the 22-year-old Yaqubov (8-0, 5 KOs) in 8 rounds.

The 25-year-old fighter from Highland Boxing Gym won his last two fights all by knockouts. He first stopped Richard Betos only in the first round last February 26 at the Lagao Gym in General Santos City.

He previously pummeled to submission Hurricane Futa via a 5th round TKO last April 29 at the Sangyo Hall in Kanazawa, Japan.
Sanchez has also fought in six other championships.

He dropped five of them and had only one draw. He lost by a unanimous decision (UD) to Liquan Lin for the vacant IBO Asia Pacific lightweight title in Fuging, China; OPBF super featherweight champion Masayuki Ito by 11th round TKO in Korakuen Hall, Japan; Sergey Lipinets by 8th round TKO for the vacant WBC International Silver super lightweight title in Moscow; WBC Youth Silver super bantamweight champion Rey Vargas by UD in Chihuahua; WBC Silver super bantamweight champion Andres Gutierrez by UD in Queretaro; Robert Kopa Palue by UD for the interim WBO Asia Pacific featherweight title in Maumere; and PBF featherweight champion Edgar Gabejan by UD in Maigo.

Yaqubov, on the other hand, previously retained his WBO Youth lightweight crown via a first round TKO win over Japanese challenger Daiki Ichikawa last July 29 at the DIVS, Ekaterinburg.

He won the vacant WBO title by retiring Feruzbek Yuldashev in the 4th round last May 2 at the Dom Pechati, Ekaterinburg. Yaqubov also won the WBC Asian Boxing Council Continental lightweight title via a unanimous decision against Yogli Herrera last February 18 at the Traktor Sports Palace. (Lito delos Reyes/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- The City Transportation and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) announced that jaywalkers and other violators of the traffic law will be facing stricter penalties starting Sept. 11.

Previously, pedestrians who violated the Anti-Jaywalking Ordinance, which was enforced in December, were only made to undergo a seminar.

But with the approval of the City Traffic Citation Ticket (CTCT), jaywalkers will now be fined P100 or undergo a compulsory 4-hour community service.

Aside from pedestrians violating the Davao City Anti-Jaywalking Ordinance, drivers, business establishments and owners of illegally parked, unattended vehicles will also be charged, said CTTMO Chief Dionisio Abude.

Abude said under the agreement with the Land Transportation Office, drivers and car owners who will be issued the CTCT cannot renew their licenses if they failed to pay the corresponding fine.

Included in the citation ticket is obstruction of flow of traffic, which is also applicable to business establishments whose wares, products and structures cause traffic congestion.

"When LTO encode the 'offender's' name, license number/Certificate of registration and plate number in their database, the driver won't be able to renew his license wherever in the country unless he pays the fine," Abude said.

For pedestrians, Abude said fines can either be instantly paid at the City Treasurer's Office or within seven days upon receipt of the ticket.

In case a jaywalker cannot, in any way, pay the fine, or refuse to pay, he or she may opt to render a 4-hour community service under the supervision of the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO).

Maria Luisa Bermudo, the CSSDO Chief, said community service may involve cleaning, tending gardens/parks and/or preparing meals in the City's residential facilities.

The city government has at least six residential facilities looking after children, women, and the elderly.

"Their services would be of great help to residential centers and at the same time, the experience may teach them a thing or two," Bermudo said.

PUJ drivers who will violate the designated loading/unloading areas will also be penalized.

The City Government of Davao will also file appropriate cases in court if violators fail, refuse to pay or contest the violations cited.

In preparation for the enforcement of the ticket issuance, about 450 traffic enforcers underwent extensive training on the procedure of dispensing the CTCT. 

The following are the violations and the corresponding fines listed in the CTCT:

Reckless and dangerous driving, P1,500; no wearing of seatbelts, P300; speed limit violation, P500; no safety helmets, P500; no registration, P500; modification of mufflers on motorcycle, P500; no driver's license, P500; excess passenger, P500; illegal parking, P500; failure to switch headlights, P1,000; obstruction, P500; truck ban violation, P1000; disregarding traffic signs, P500; no PUV driver's ID, P1000; loading and unloading of passengers in undesignated areas, P1000 and driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, P5,000. (Davao City Information Office)



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DUMAGUETE CITY – The local government unit (LGU) of Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental, is eyeing other options for a sanitary landfill site as initial discussions for the facility in nearby Valencia town may not push through.

City Information Officer Rey Demecillo said Thursday that the city has now created a Technical Working Group (TWG) to look at other possibilities in the event the Valencia LGU will not push through with an earlier plan.

Earlier, Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo and Valencia Mayor Edgar Teves  announced plans of establishing a common sanitary landfill at a sparsely populated or even an unpopulated area in Valencia.

The idea that was originally floated was for the other nearby LGUs such as Dumaguete, Bacong, and Sibulan to bring their garbage to the Valencia sanitary landfill for a fee.

However, Demecillo disclosed that it seems the plan may have some problems with "social acceptability," with Valencia residents not keen on having the sanitary landfill in their town.

He said the Valencianons only wanted to use the sanitary landfill, if ever the LGU would establish one, for their own garbage.

Another possible site for the sanitary landfill for Dumaguete is being eyed in the city but Demecillo said it was still too early to disclose the location.

Meanwhile, Mayor Remollo has reiterated his administration's efforts to build a sanitary landfill as early as possible as it is mandated by law plus the open dumpsite in Barangay Candauay was already outlawed. (PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- More than P100 million worth of prohibited drugs had been seized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM) from January to July, this year.

Of 70 PDEA-led anti-drug operations, 140 persons engaged in illegal drugs have been arrested out of 495 target drug personalities in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Cotabato City, PDEA-ARMM jurisdiction.

Of 495 targets, 72 were high value targets. Five have been killed for resisting arrest and four drug dens were dismantled.

Director Juvenal Asuzin of PDEA-ARMM said almost 15 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride were seized during the first seven months of operation.

Azurin said 14 kilos were seized in a series of raids in Marawi City, months before the terrorist attacked the city.

Azurin told reporters that PDEA will continue its mandated task of neutralizing drug syndicates in its area of jurisdiction.(PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY— Barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) travel kilometers by foot to reach children in far-flung communities.

They never complain -- despite the measly incentives they get. They are motivated by their desire to help solve the country's malnutrition problem.

And they are considered heroes behind the success of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) ‎2017-2022 of the Department of Health (DOH).

In a recent visit here, DOH Assistant Secretary for Health and Executive Director of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Maria Bernardita Flores acknowledged the important role that barangay nutrition scholars are doing for the country.

"Through the help of BNS, nutrition programs and advocacies can reach even those in the geographically isolated and displaced areas (GIDA), where malnutrition prevalence remains high," Flores said.

"They serve from the heart simply because they want to help out. When faced with resource limitation in the implementation of 

programs, they look for ways to the point of begging for sponsors who will help them in pursuing their task of providing the necessary health services for the barangay residents, no matter how distant they are from civilization," she added.

The BNS program is a human resource development strategy of PPAN, which involves the training, deployment and supervision of volunteer workers.

It mandates the deployment of one BNS in every barangay, which the NNC administers with the local government units.

Eden Cordova, President of the Federation of BNS in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, said doing good and serving the community through the program is enough compensation for them.

Based on the latest record provided by the NNC in 2015, there are 4.6 million children in the entire country who fall under the category of "stunting" or those who are short in height compared to their age, about a million children are classified as "wasting" or thin for their height who faces a higher risk of death when getting sick.

Under the Duterte administration, the PPAN hopes to cut down, if not eliminate the high number of children who are short, thin, underweight or obese.

The NNC has refocused its attention from merely handling malnourished children, but starting the program from the pregnant women to make them deliver a baby with a birth weight of at least 2.5 kilograms and above.(PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – The biggest exposition of construction and machinery products will open on Friday, September 8, at the SMX Convention Center where 600 brands will be on showcase.

This will be the 8th exposition launched by PhilConstruct and the 11th for the Machinery show outside of Metro Manila, said Patrick Lawrence Tan, chief executive officer of Globalink Events International, Inc.

Tan said 500 brands will be exhibited by PhilConstruct and 100 for the machinery expo.

Tan said it will be the first in Davao City to put up an outdoor display of 70 huge types of machinery and construction equipment, which are brought in from Manila, China, South Korea, Germany, and Europe.

These are the latest equipment that will be shown to the contractors to see the actual machinery that they might be interested to acquire, Tan told reporters during the business forum at DermPath on Tuesday.

Tan explained that the show is to bring in the sellers and the buyers together where they could discuss, build linkage and come up with partnership, rapport and later become business partners. It is also an opportunity for the contractors to check the latest equipment for their infra projects.

Michael Te, president of the Davao Contractors Association Center, Inc. (DCACI), said he is looking forward to the exposition because it is in this event where they get the latest technology, build connection with suppliers.

He said there will be seminars and workshops alongside the shows to equip contractors the basic knowledge in construction safety, building laws, taxation, labor and the basic principles of the construction business.

Te said the DCACI has about 150 members who are accredited by the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB).

Meanwhile, Tan said there will be four trade events which will take place namely the PhilConstruct Mindanao spearheaded by the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA), Philconstruct Events Exhibitions and Conference Corp (PEECC), and Davao Constructions Association Center, Inc. (DCACI); the HVAC/R Mindanao for the ventilating air conditioning and refrigerating by the Philippine Ventilating, Airconditioning and Refrigerating Engineers (PSVAE); the Manufacturing Technology Davao (MTD) by the Philippine Society of Plumbing Engineers (PSPE); and Pack Print Plas (PPP) Davao by the Philippine Plastics Industry Association (PPIA), and Philippine Center for Print Excellence Foundation.

Among the invited guests during the opening ceremonies are Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president Capt. Ronaldo Go, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assistant secretary Art Boncato. (Digna D. Banzon/PNA)



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LAOAG CITY— Tobacco farmers in this northern part of Luzon are being encouraged to improve the quality of their produce to ensure higher income.

The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) is pushing for contract growing scheme to ensure fair market of their products.

Over the years, tobacco farming -- considered as a sunset industry -- has been the lifeblood of local farmers here. This commodity is also giving millions of income to local government units here with their share in the tobacco excise tax under Republic Act 7171.

Some of the tobacco farmer representatives from here are at the NTA central office in Quezon City to attend a tripartite consultative conference on September 6 and 7.
Mario Cabasal, president of National Association of Tobacco Farmers Associations and Cooperatives hopes to arrive at a fair market price of their produce.

The NTA, led by Administrator Robert Seares, organized the biennial tripartite conference for the tobacco farmers, cigarette manufacturers, tobacco dealers and exporters to evaluate and negotiate the floor prices of unprocessed tobacco leaves. 

Floor price is referred to as the minimum price allowed by the government for the procurement of tobacco buyers from the farmers. This is set based on the prevailing market conditions, such as production cost, reasonable margin of profit for stakeholders and growing conditions.

To date, the current floor prices for the highest grade of each tobacco type are PHP81 for Virginia, PHP68 for Burley and PHP70 for native type. (PNA)



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CASTILLA, Sorsogon --- To accelerate the operational tempo in the government's war against insurgency while keeping track and upholding human rights is the marching order of Army Colonel Greg Almelor, the newly installed commanding officer of the Army's 903rd Brigade in Sorsogon.

Almelor, addressing his command on Tuesday, said that in winning the peace, "we have to focus and increase the phase of our operational strategies based on the given template laid down by the higher command."

While advising his staff and battalion commanders to set their hearts and mind in achieving their mission, he also directed them to "go back to basic" by learning their strength and weaknesses.

Almelor replaced Brigadier Gen. Fernando Trinidad who was given a tour of duty at the Army's General Headquarters while waiting for his second-star promotion.

In an interview Tuesday night, Almelor expressed confidence that despite the challenges ahead, their mission will be fulfilled with the full support given by various stakeholders.

Almelor, a native of Davao City, is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1989, "Makatao" batch.

The Army's 903rd Brigade based in Castilla town in Sorsogon has four battalions with over a thousand soldiers who operate in the provinces of Sorsogon and Masbate.

The command turnover ceremony held on Tuesday at the 903rd brigade command in Castilla, Sorsogon was officiated by Maj. Gen Manolito Orense, commanding general of the Army 9th Infantry Division.

The brigade under the leadership of BGen Trinidad reported that their combat operations from January 2017 to date have neutralized at least 71 suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels -- six of them killed, 17 captured and 48 surrendered.

The operations also yielded 35 high powered firearms, 54 handguns and shotguns, 50 improvised explosive devices, a grenade, five communication equipment and insurgents' war materials.

 Report said military operations have led to the clearing of 15 insurgency-affected villages in Sorsogon and 16 in Masbate.

These also paved the way for the declaration of Sorsogon province as "Conflict Manageable and Development Ready Province" in Bicol. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) is urging the public not to take for granted possible signs of dengue and always immediately seek medical attention.

This, as the CHO recorded three deaths due to dengue in August.

CHO head Dr. Bernard Caspe, in an interview Wednesday, said the three deaths are among the city's 187 dengue cases recorded since January, where two cases were recorded in August and another case in July.

The number of cases dropped almost 80 percent when compared with the same period last year with 968 cases. There were six deaths, however, for the entire year.

Caspe underscored the need for early consultation and not wait for the patient to manifest rashes or bleeding, stressing that dengue can be treated once it is diagnosed early.

He said that dengue has no specific treatment because it needs supported care as long as it is properly diagnosed.

What is important, he said, is to seek consultation once a fever has been lingering for two days already. There are rapid tests that can detect if a day with fever is already a dengue case.

Currently, there are rapid test kits available in health centers that were provided by the Department of Health (DOH).

Already, the CHO has completed the spraying of larvicide in Barangays San Nicholas and Magdalo all in Lapaz district where two deaths were recorded. 

They are eyeing to complete spraying in Bitoon, Jaro either on Wednesday or Thursday.

"We are ready with larvicides," he said.

He also encouraged that cleanup activities should be done daily and not just during weekends. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- Councilor Nilo "Small" Abellera is considering the filing of a case against Customs broker Mark Taguba for implicating him in the alleged "Davao Group" tagged in smuggling activities in the city.

But Abellera said his legal team would like to focus first on clearing his name and in the ongoing hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on alleged drug smuggling and bribery at the Bureau of Customs (BoC).

"We are now thinking about the possibility of filing charges, but for now there is no finality yet because we are still focusing on the Senate hearing since I need to clear my name first," he said.

Abellera, who is now in his last term as a city councilor, admitted he was offended by Taguba's allegation, especially that he has no knowledge about the issue. He said the controversy has also affected his family.

"I have no business related to import or export or anything that has something to do with the Bureau of Customs. I do not involve myself in the national agency especially if I have nothing to do with them," Abellera said.

Abellera stands firm that he has nothing to do with Taguba and the alleged smuggling in the city. He earlier admitted to have met Taguba through a certain "Jack" but denied receiving P5 million bribe money from him.

"Maybe he (Taguba) doesn't have any evidence against me that is why we are just relying on his mere statement. If he has evidences against me, that I received money from him, then he should have presented it in the senate hearing," Abellera said.

Abellera also questioned the inconsistencies in Taguba's statement, saying, "I don't know what he can get if he changes his statement every now and then."

Abellera said he would not hesitate to attend another hearing if the Senate invites him so he could clear his name. (Funny Pearl Gajunera/PNA)



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TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite -  Cavite Governor Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday assured Cavite's seven cities and 16 towns  with enough number of Close Circuit TV Cameras  (CCTVs) and emergency vehicles to boost the local government's anti criminality and response efforts, especially during disaster and calamities.

Remulla, who also chairs the CALABARZON Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC),  made the assurance during the turnover of 64 CCTV units, two ambulances and three motorcycles with side cars here  to the local government of Silang in a bid to boost anti-criminality drive and emergency response capability of the town.

He underscored the provincial government's continuous efforts to augment the province's resources intended for public safety.

He described as "timely" the provincial government's initiative as preemptive measures owing to recently reported senseless shooting incidents in the nearby cities of Dasmariῆas and Imus.

Silang Mayor Emilia Poblete thanked the governor for the CCTVs and emergency vehicles to boost the municipality's anti-criminality and response efforts.

Silang is a first class municipality, located near Dasmariǹas City and relies on agricultural services as the town's main income sources. (PNA)

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DUMAGUETE CITY -- Instead of holding a fun run in connection with the 117th Civil Service Month celebration this September, the city's human resource office has decided to hold instead the so-called "Cigarette Butt Race."

During the race, the participants are to collect as many cigarette butts as they can collect while having a run along a specific route, according to Human Resource Officer Dr. Dino Depositario on Wednesday.

He explained that instead of just a fun run, it will be more meaningful to do it with an advocacy to gather all the cigarette butts that can be found along the way by participants who are employees of the city government.

Every department will be represented by at least five employees to join the butt race scheduled at 6 a.m. on Saturday.

Included in the routes are bus, tricycle and jeepney terminals and other public places in the city.

However, Depositario said he hopes that there will be a few cigarette butts that can be found, which will indicate that Dumaguete City is really a smoke-free city. The first to reach the finish line will receive awards.

Meanwhile, CSC Commissioner Roberto Martinez is expected in Dumaguete during the culmination activity of the Civil Service Month celebration to conduct a symposium on September 29.

Expected to attend the activity are city department heads in order to be apprised with new issuances and guidelines of the CSC, including on appointments.

During the activity, the human resource office will present the city's ATM payroll system to the commissioner as well as the employees' information data system. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Classes have resumed in 12 public elementary schools in Marawi City amid continued armed clashes between government troops and Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute Group, a top military official said Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, Joint Task Force Marawi commander, said the classes resumed on Tuesday as the fighting had been confined in the main battle area in the besieged city of Marawi.

The schools that resumed classes are the following: Sultan Conding Elementary School; Sikap Elementary School; Cabingan Primary School; Banga Elementary School; Datu Tambak Elementary School; Rorogagus Elementary School; Bito Elementary School; Pendolonan Elementary School; Abdulazis Elementary School; Camp Bagong Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School; Sugod Elementary School; and, Mipaga Elementary School.

"We are nearing the end of the battle with the gunfight confined to the main battle area in the besieged city. Security measures are being tightened to preempt any attempts by the terrorists to hamper classes," Bautista added.

He said the different Joint Task Groups under Joint Task Force Marawi had series of conferences, discussing security preparations and arrangements to ensure that faculty members and students will feel safe when they come to their campuses.

"This is one of the steps taken by the security forces and the local government units to bring normalcy in the city. We are taking a gradual phase because we want to ensure that we are doing the right thing and that we are putting to primacy the welfare of the Maranaos," he said.

"We are optimistic that as long as everyone is taking the same path, we will surely win this war against terrorism," Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief said.

"I have always said that 'education is the antidote for peace,' and with that, your Armed Forces will make sure that we will continue to work for the rehabilitation of the other schools, colleges and universities within the city that were affected by this crisis. We will be with the people in taking the road to normalcy," Galvez added.

The 12 elementary schools comprised the second batch of learning institutions that resumed classes although fighting continues.

On August 22, a total of 600 students were transported from Iligan City to the Marawi City campus of the Mindanao State University (MSU) as classes resumed on that day.

Over 9,000 students joined the MSU 56th founding anniversary celebration on Friday, September 1, with Galvez as the guest speaker.

The anniversary celebration was anchored on the theme: "MSU @ 56: A Thousand Minds Illuminating the Path to Recovery, Peace, and Development for Marawi City."

Following the opening of the schools, other government offices will also soon start cleaning their respective offices for the possible resumption of their operations. (TPGJR/PNA)



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CEBU CITY -- The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Wednesday that cases of human rabies and deaths due to animal bites have increased in Central Visayas in the second quarter of this year.

During the period, five deaths - two in Cebu Province and one each in Bohol, Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City - were reported out of 20,591 rabies cases.

This surpassed the four deaths reported in the first quarter of the year, two each in Cebu Province and Mandaue City out of the 19,382 recorded cases.

This means, nine people have died because of rabies in almost 40,000 bite cases during the first half of this year, compared to last year's 59,773 cases and eight deaths.

"As of now, although the 3rd quarter isn't finished yet which is from July to September, the estimated number of deaths in rabies will reach 15," DOH-7 Regional Rabies Program manager Dr. Joanri Riveral said.

Cebu Province, which recorded the highest number of rabies cases with 11,536 and two deaths last year, remains on top of the list with 7,084 and two fatalities.

Cebu City comes in second with 3,221 cases and one death, followed by Negros Oriental with 2,883 cases, and Bohol with 2,288 cases and one fatality.

"This year, Cebu Province still occupies the same position maybe because of its bigger population," Riveral said.

Riveral encouraged dog pet owners with open wounds to wash their wounds with soap and water for 15 minutes, as dogs usually lick their owners.

Riveral also advised those who were bitten by dogs not to go to quack doctors for treatment, stressing that the best place to get treatment and vaccination is the Animal Bite Treatment Center.

"If you are bitten by a dog with rabies, the best way is to consult a medical doctor, who will give you the best treatment. I don't recommend treatment from quack doctors," Riveral said.

Likewise, a person who died from rabies must be buried within 24 hours from the time he or she was declared dead to prevent the spread of the virus, Riveral added.

Riveral also warned pet owners to have their pets vaccinated at least once a year, otherwise they will be penalized. Local government units (LGUs) also offer anti-rabies injections for free.

"Whenever a dog bites a certain person, it is the pet owner's responsibility to shoulder the expenses needed for the victim's treatment. So it's important to be a responsible pet owner," Riveral said. (USJR intern Levirose Caballero/PNA)



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KAWIT, Cavite – Five passengers were killed and 11 others injured, nine of them in critical condition, after the jeepney they were riding in rammed onto an electric post early Wednesday morning along Centennial Road Highway in Barangay Tabon 3, Kawit, Cavite.

Initial police investigation disclosed that the jeepney was en route to General Trias, loaded with around 16 passengers, when the vehicle slammed onto a Meralco electric post along the roadside around 6 a.m.

Police said most of those who perished in the accident were workers at the Cavite Export Processing Zone Authority who had to rise early for work.

The five fatalities were identified as Lorena Abiera Isaias, 43, from Binakayan, Kawit; Lorena Purificacion, 44, from Medicion 2-F, Imus City; Melanie Andaya Macalalad, 32, from Medicion 1-B, Imus City; Florijane Archivida from Imus City; and Christian Pallera, 36, also from Mendicion 1-D, Imus City.  

Kawit police case investigator PO2 Nelvin Trajico said jeepney driver Emmanuel Genzole lost control of the jeepney after its brake malfunctioned, leading the vehicle to ram the electric post.

The injured victims, including Genzole, were taken to the Divine Grace Medical Hospital in General Trias and Kalayaan Hospital in Kawit for treatment. (Gladys Señires-Pino and Rogelio Limpin/PNA)

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DUMAGUETE CITY – The newly-appointed Acting Provincial Police Director of Negros Oriental has assured Governor Roel Degamo to do his best and continue his predecessor's relentless campaign against prohibited drugs as well as other crime-related activities in the province.

Sr. Supt. Edwin Portento paid a courtesy call on Gov. Degamo at the Capitol on Tuesday after he replaced Sr. Supt. Henry Biñas, who was tasked by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, to head the Iloilo City police.

The new police director told the governor that definitely, as mandated by the PNP chief, emphasis will be given on the war on hard drugs.

Portento declared that it is not the number of arrests made that will count but the quality of anti-drug operations being conducted by the police.

He issued the statement in the wake of observations that almost every day, arrests are made in different parts of Negros Oriental but illegal drugs continue to proliferate.

Observations showed that drugs confiscated in most of the anti-drug operations weigh less than five grams.

Portento stressed during his conversation with Degamo that President Rodrigo Duterte and the PNP chief want the men in uniform to strictly observe police operational procedures during the conduct of raids, implementation of search warrants and buy-bust operations, to avoid criticisms on the manner their operations are conducted.

Being new to the province, Portento does not yet have all the answers as to why illegal drugs proliferate in spite of the number of arrests made.

For his part, Degamo told the police to value life but would not want them to die while performing his or her duty especially in the campaign against illegal drugs.

Portento told reporters to watch him perform in the next few days and months in terms of complying with the mandate of the President, the Chief PNP and Degamo.

Meanwhile, records from the Negros Oriental PNP show that from January to August 28 this year, during the stint of the Sr. Supt Biñas, there were 303 pushers and 39 drug users arrested in 248 anti-drug operations.

Of the total number of operations, 21,428.03 grams of suspected "shabu" were confiscated as well as 4.89 grams of marijuana with a total Dangerous Drugs Board value of Php 694,229.7 million.

A total of 388 cases were filed in different regional trial courts in Negros Oriental.

Portento is a "mistah" or classmate of Biñas and both belong to Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Class 1995.

Portento was assigned at the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) of the PNP Regional Office-7 (PRO-7) in Central Visayas prior to his designation as Negros Oriental provincial police director. (With a report from Juancho Gallarde/PNA)



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PALO, Leyte – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will conduct outreach programs in poor areas of Eastern Visayas region in a bid to establish peace and order in poverty-stricken communities.

Chief Supt. Elmer Cruz said in a press briefing Tuesday that he has scheduled a visit to economically-depressed towns such as Maslog and Jipapad in Eastern Samar, and San Jose de Buan in Samar.

"We will conduct medical and dental missions in poor areas, including the removal of earwax. There will also be a distribution of toys and story books to children," said Cruz, the former director of the PNP Community Relations Group.

Cruz believes that establishing good ties with the community is a key to preventing crimes and fighting illegal activities.

The impoverished situation in many areas in the region gives an opportunity for the police to earn the trust of communities.

"Those who come to police stations are the less privileged because they have no connections with police officials. My instruction to our police station chiefs is to open their doors to the poor people," Cruz told reporters.

The 2015 official report of the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that 38.7 percent of the region's four million population are poor or those earning below the PHP8,877 monthly poverty threshold.

Cruz said putting an end to illicit drugs, illegal gambling, and internal cleansing will not succeed for as long as there's no support from the community.

"Since high value targets have already been neutralized in the region, we will be shifting our focus on the monitoring of activities of drug surrenderers," he added.

Cruz assumed the regional director post on August 30, replacing Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar, who retired from 36 years of government service. (PNA)



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PILAR, Bataan -- Relatives of Bb. Pilipinas USA 2017 winner Nikki Zulueta here expressed their pride and look forward to the beauty titlist's homecoming this September.

Zulueta, 23, native of this town, is a civil engineer, and the eldest among three children of Dr. Nelson and nurse Ana Zulueta of Chestnut, Los Angeles, California.

Nikki bested 19 other young Filipino-Americans during the fifth annual Binibining Pilipinas 2017 pageant held last August 20 in Redondo Beach, California.

"Congratulations Nikki, I am proud of you! The whole family is so happy because you won," cousin Vincent Zabala, 29, said in an interview on Wednesday.

Zabala, Nikki's first cousin, resides in one of the clusters of houses in Barangay Nagwaling here where the beauty titlist's parents used to live.

"I got goosebumps. I was very happy while watching the coronation in the internet. Our relatives were so glad and Nikki posted some photos in Facebook," Zabala said.

He said the pageant emcee made a mistake in calling the winner as candidate No. 9 but called the name of his cousin who was No. 19.

Zabala recalled that he took care of Nikki when she was seven to eight years old.

He said that Nikki's parents settled in California more than 15 years ago after her father finished Medicine in Russia.

He said that Nikki's father was among the Filipinos sent to Russia by then President Ferdinand Marcos to study medicine.

"Nikki with sister Ali will be coming to Bataan any time this September," Zabala said, adding that the former's latest visit to Bataan was last January. (PNA)



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Some 27 unclaimed bodies retrieved by government troops from the main battle area were buried on Tuesday in a mass burial rite in Marawi City.

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), in a statement Wednesday, said the remains were transported by personnel of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office aboard seven military vehicles from a funeral parlor in Iligan City to the Provincial Maqbarah Cemetery in Marawi City.

The Westmincom said the remains were believed to be civilians declared missing since the fighting erupted on May 23 in Marawi City.

Nasser Alonto Maniri of the Provincial Maqbarah Cemetery said the remains have undergone the process of 'Dingdinghali,' a tradition observed by Muslims in burying their dead with pieces of bamboo and in citing a prayer for more than seven to 10 minutes.

Danilo Capin, owner of the funeral homes, said the remains were made to undergo the embalming procedure in accordance with the Muslim rites.

"We have to wait for the advice of the SOCO criminal laboratory and the results of the autopsy and DNA tests. The remains will then be buried upon advice of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and the Department of Interior and Local Government," Westmincom said, quoting Capin as saying.

He added that the remains were not claimed or remained unidentified.

"We appeal to the public especially those who have relatives and kin who are still missing to approach the Provincial Crisis Management Committee or the Missing Person Center in Iligan City and submit swab samples for the ante-mortem procedure," Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong, Provincial Crisis Management Committee spokesperson, said.

He said those who may have difficulty reaching the office of the Provincial Crisis Management may contact the International Committee of the Red Cross to report the identity of their missing relatives.

"We pay our highest respect to the souls of those who were laid to rest," Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, said.

"We hope that soon, the families will be able to identify and find their love ones and family members," he added.

Meanwhile, government troops also retrieved skeletal remains at around 7:30 a.m. on Monday in Barangay Lilod Madaya.

The remains were turned over to the Scene of the Crime Operatives for proper disposition.

Tuesday's mass burial was the second of its kind since the siege in Marawi started on May 23.

The first mass burial was held in July. (PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The camp-based rehabilitation program of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) has already served 552 drug surrenderers from Iloilo City.

The ninth batch is composed of 96 persons who received their certificates of completion in a ceremony here Wednesday.

The recovery and wellness program was launched to support President Rodrigo Duterte's all-out war against hard drugs.

In his speech, Senior Superintendent Remus Zacharias Canieso, PRO 6 chief directorial staff (CDS), said the program helped drug surrenderers change for good.

Canieso advised the graduates to never go back to the use of hard drugs and instead become "active partners of the community in nation building."

He assured that the rehabilitation program of the PRO-6 will continue to "save" more drug dependents.

Meanwhile, Senior Supt. Henry Biñas, newly-installed chief of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), thanked the training staff and personnel who facilitated the rehabilitation program of the graduates.

One of the drug surrenderers, who graduated on Wednesday, is Jay-R who recalled that he started to skip his classes during his elementary years and joined a group who is into different vices and hard drugs. It got worse and eventually he stopped and did not finish high school.

He said the rehabilitation program was able to help him change for the better.

He added that he is now doing everything to pass the Alternative Learning System (ALS) examination, finish his studies and reach his dreams.

 Jay-R thanked the city government, the PRO-6 and their mentors in the rehabilitation program for helping them.

Another surrenderer named Michael, meanwhile, expressed gladness for the opportunity to change through the program. He started to use hard drugs when he was in high school. From then on, his life became miserable and he did not know what to do.

"I will always be grateful for this opportunity given to me. I have changed now and I will maintain this so I will have a good life and a good relationship with my family," he said.

PRO-6 spokesperson, Superintendent Gilbert Gorero, said that graduates of the rehabilitation program will undergo aftercare program to be managed by the Social Services Agency which is headed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Western Visayas.

He said that they will continue the rehabilitation program to cater to more surrenderers.

Enrollment for the tenth batch will start September 7.

"We encourage drug surrenderers who are not enrolled in any outpatient drug rehab program to avail the unique practice," he said. (PNA)



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LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- The Provincial Health Office (PHO) is investigating the death of an eight-year-old girl from Sison town, who appeared to be the first death reported in Pangasinan as a result of Japanese Encephalitis.

The victim died while being treated at the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) in San Fernando City, La Union where she was diagnosed as already having Stage 4 of Japanese Encephalitis, her mother said.

She said the girl was first brought to the emergency room of a hospital in Rosario, La Union Saturday morning and when doctors could not diagnose her ailment, they recommended that she be brought to the ITRCM.

She said they were not able to leave immediately as they had yet to settle their bill of P3,500 and were only released when the husband of her sister arrived and provided the guarantee.

The woman related that inside the vehicle, Lyra Mae's pulse beat had stopped and so they had to bring her to the La Union Provincial Hospital in Agoo where doctors revived her, and also recommended that she be brought immediately to the ITRMC, where the girl eventually died.

She noticed her daughter Mae was not feeling well when she arrived home from school Wednesday last week. Despite this, she insisted on going to school the next day.

At noon Thursday, the girl went home complaining of fever and headache. She gave her medicine and her fever subsided.

A radio report said the victim vomited and was coughing intensely Saturday morning so she was brought by her mother to the hospital with the suspicion that her daughter was suffering from dengue.  (PNA)



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BACOLOD CITY – The city government of Himamaylan in Negros Occidental province has tapped the Philippine Army's 542nd Engineer Construction Battalion (ECB) to build a 50-meter steel hanging footbridge for the far-flung village of Mahalang.

The bridge project, which began end of August, is expected to be completed in January next year.

Lt . Col. Meliton Reyes Jr., commanding officer of the 542nd ECB, said the bridge will benefit residents of the seven sitios of Barangay Mahalang, which is located 14 km. from the city proper.

At present, residents of Sitios Suba Su-ay,  Kanluki, Unit 1, Kantupa, Buyoron, Palasanan, Basak, and Alulong, whose main livelihood is farming, have to pass through an overflow bridge to reach the village proper.

The city government allocated PHP1.5 million for the project, which was formalized through the Project Partnership Agreement signed by Reyes and Mayor Agustin Ernesto Bascon.

"This is just the first of many projects to be implemented under our collaboration with the local government unit," Reyes said.

Lt. Col. Arnel Cabugon, of the 3rd Infantry Division, said the partnership is the essence of the Development Support and Security Plan "Kapayapaan" of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). (PNA)



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SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique -– There are three more Negosyo centers set to be opened in the towns of Libertad, Sebaste and Culasi in Antique province this September.

Wilson M. Alian, coordinator of the Negosyo Center under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Antique provincial office, said in an interview Wednesday that with the opening of the three centers in the province, more small entrepreneurs could be assisted in terms of their applications for business permit and business name registration.

The first Negosyo Center in Antique opened in the capital town of San Jose de Buenavista in 2016. The opening of those in Libertad, Sebaste and Culasi will bring the total to nine centers in the province.

"We hope that by 2018, all the 18 towns of the province will already have their own centers," Alian said.

At the Negosyo Center here, free lectures are being conducted on how to start a business, bookkeeping and other topics needed by the entrepreneurs. (PNA)



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DUMAGUETE CITY -- Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo on Monday announced that the city government will rent an additional bulldozer for the dumpsite in Barangay Candauay to clear trash spilling over to the road, following complaints from road users and residents.

The mayor made the announcement after some photos were posted recently on Facebook showing volumes of garbage in the middle of the road at the Candauay dumpsite.

Remollo also disclosed that the local government will procure its own bulldozer in the coming months to keep up with the demand at the open dumpsite, while efforts are now underway to find a sanitary landfill as required by law.

The city government asked the public to first find out what the city government is doing prior to posting photos and one-sided comments on social media, said City Information Officer Dems Rey Demecillo.

According to Demecillo, a bulldozer is currently deployed at the dumpsite along with environmental technicians to clear the road for motorists' safety immediately after garbage is brought to the dumpsite.

It is not only the city government but also the private sector, especially business establishments, that are bringing their garbage to the dumpsite, Demecillo said.

The private entities dump their garbage alongside the road at night because they do not want to go further inside the dumpsite as it is dark and dangerous, Demecillo said.

Mayor Remollo is set to order the installation of lights in and around the dumpsite so that night time dumping of garbage will help ease the problem. (PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- It has been a year since that fateful night at the Roxas Night Market. The people of Davao may have moved on, but they have not forgotten.

With the memorial as a backdrop, a mass was celebrated at the blast site on August 31 to remember the 17 people who perished and the 69 injured from the bombing.

The gathering was less somber this time, but grief and pain of the survivors and the families of the victims still filled the air.

Families of the victims, survivors, and officials of the city attended the mass. Hundreds were also present to join the remembrance.

At the mass, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte once again apologized.

"During the mass the day after the bombing and the 40th day mass, nag-refuse ko nga mohatag og mensahe ug motindog sa inyong atubangan at that time because naulaw ko sa inyohang tanan. I felt ashamed and embarrassed that it happened," Mayor Inday said.

She said she was sorry that the victims, the survivors, their families, and Davao City "had to go through it."

"Rest assured that we are doing our best. The City Government of Davao and the Davao City Police Office are doing our best to prevent another incident such as what happened on September 2 of last year," the Mayor said.

A P9-million trust fund has been put up for the victims and families of the bombing. As the city continues to provide healthcare to those still recuperating, around P7.5 million was also allocated for the livelihood and medical maintenance of the families of victims and bombing survivors.

"The goal is to capacitate them with knowledge on simple bookkeeping, recording and controlling through the provision of capacity-building seminars and trainings to enable them to grow their businesses into viable and sustainable undertakings," City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) head, Maria Luisa Bermudo, said.

Each of the victims recently received P50,000 in livelihood assistance to help them rebuild their lives. This was hoped that it would help them start business that will ultimately support them and their families.

A few days after the blast last year, Mayor Sara immediately ordered the resumption of business operations at the Roxas Night Market. It was not only to show the resilience of the Dabawenyos, but also to show the perpetrators that Dabawenyos do not easily cower.

Melvin Artega, one of the survivors, is appreciative of the assistance the Davao City Government has extended to all of them immediately after the tragedy. She said the monetary and psycho-social help were crucial in helping them cope with trauma of the Roxas Night Market Bombing.

"Sa karon medyo okay na apan dili gyud siya malimtan. Pero ginadasig nako akong sarili nga dili gyud magpadaog. Ako pud giconvince akong mga kaubanan nga magpakaisog lang gyud. Karon nagpadayon mi sa among pagmasahe. Tuloy ang buhay," Artega said.

(For now, I am doing well but I cannot forget it. However, I am motivating myself to carry on. I have also convinced my colleagues to be strong. We continue our job as massage therapists. Life goes on.)

Today, the Roxas Night Market bustles with entrepreneurs.

For Analyn Flores, a store owner and resident of Roxas Boulevard, the incident was unforgettable and traumatic because one of the victims used to be her tenant. But she feels more secured now that the Davao City government has augmented its security measures.

"Dili gyud namo to malimtan kay ang usa ka masahista nga namatay naga-bilin to siya og bangko diri sa amoa. Pero kailangan man ta magmove on. Sa karon okay man ang dagan sa mga negosyo. Nikusog pa man gani," Flores shared.

(We will never forget it because one of the massage therapists who got killed in the bombing was one of our lessees. But we needed to move on. Our business is doing okay. I think it is prospering.)

Dabawenyos are looking back not to relive the painful memories, but to reaffirm what Davao City has showed the world after the tragedy -- standing tall, united, resilient. CIO
--
Davao City commemorates the 1st anniversary of the Roxas night market bombing. Mayor Inday Sara Duterte sympathizes with the victims and their families and is grateful to all Davaoeños who became more united despite the tragic incident.



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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Social Security System (SSS) on Monday reopened its claims processing center to better serve its members in Western Mindanao area.

Lawyer Rodrigo Filoteo, SSS assistant vice president for Western Mindanao, said the center will process claims, such as maternity, sickness, disability, death and retirement, which are previously being processed at the SSS central office.

Filoteo said the center "is now fully operational" and is manned by eight personnel.

"Claims submitted in Western Mindanao will be processed here and this will hasten the processing of documents unlike before it takes about three months to finish," Filoteo said.

"This time it will only take one week to process claims as long as the documents are complete," he added.

The processing center was closed in 2012 by then SSS president and chief executive officer Emilio De Quiros Jr.

Since then until it was reopened, the SSS Western Mindanao office only received documents for claims and forwarded them to the central office for processing and approval.

There are more or less two million members in areas that are under the SSS Western Mindanao office.

Filoteo's office covers the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, which are part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Isabela City and Zamboanga City. (PNA)



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BAGUIO CITY— The Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (DRRMC) in the province, municipalities and cities in the Cordillera region are advised to synchronize actions and be on alert as tropical depression "Kiko" accelerates its speed and strength.

In the latest advisory issued by the Regional DRRMC at noon Tuesday, it said "moderate to heavy rains is expected today over Northern Luzon. Residents in areas affected are advised to be alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides."

Typhoon Signal number 1 is still raised over Northern Cagayan, Babuyan group of islands and Batanes. Signal number 1 that was raised in the province of Apayao earlier today has been lifted.

However, with the continued rains being experienced in the Cordillera region for over a week now, the DRRMC maintains a Blue Alert status, advising all local DRRMCs to keep track of the situation in their respective areas.

Landslides and flashfloods frequently happen in different parts of the Cordillera due to the mountainous terrain and the presence of various major water systems that bloat due to the continuous rain.(PNA)



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COTABATO CITY -- Fighting between joint government forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and ISIS-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao has continued, the latest of which happened Sunday that left two MILF fighters killed.

The MILF Task Force Ittihad (Unity) clashed over the weekend with BIFF Esmael Abdulmalik faction in Barangay Tee, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, Capt. Arvin John Encinas told reporters.

Among those reported killed was an operation officer of MILF 118th base command.

Encinas, spokesperson for the 6th Infantry Division, said the Army has been providing blocking positions around the so called "SPMS box" or the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi town), Mamasapano and Datu Salibo.

Fighting between MILF and BIFF has been going on since three weeks ago after the ISIS-inspired group tried to encroach MILF communities in the SPMS box.

Von Al Haq, speaking for the MILF, said his group will continue to defend its areas to prevent the ISIS-inspired armed men from encroaching civilian communities.

Under the 1997 ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF, the rebel movement is mandated to help the government get rid of terrorists and kidnappers.

Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police provincial director, said the police have remained on alert alongside the Army's 601st Infantry Brigade and 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade to prevent spillover of clashes between the MILF and BIFF to other Maguindanao towns and in North Cotabato.

More checkpoints have been set up to ensure public safety, he said.(PNA)



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DAVAO CITY – The continued raids by lawless elements on banana plantations have adversely affected the industry's sustainability as the country's top export trade.

Aside from attacks against these plantations, climate change and lack of good agricultural practices are further draining the industry.

"But peace and order is the primary factor that is greatly affecting the banana industry," said Ferdinand Marañon, president of PhilExport. Marañon said the industry is losing millions.

One company alone last year lost billions when the New People's Army (NPA) attacked its box plant in Davao City and the plastic plant in Panabo.

The company, Lapanday Foods Corp., has folded up the two companies.

Marañon also cited the burning of about nine trucks in another banana plantation in Agusan del Sur.

He said one truck already costs more than a million pesos while a refrigerated container costs two to five million pesos.

"We are afraid that the investments of multinational companies will be pulled-out as it would be beyond their means to cope," Marañon said, voicing concerns that if banana firms give in to demands of lawless groups, who forced businesses to give revolutionary taxes, it could cost them more money.

Marañon revealed that one company is already expanding in Latin America due to peace and order situation in banana plantation areas.

Philexport executive director Marizon Loreto said the continued attacks would result in displacement of workers and affect production, thus result in low supply of banana.

She said climate change like the El Niño is another factor that affects production and quality of the bananas.

Marañon said the banana industry players are counting on the government to address the issue on peace and order.

"We really hope the government will give us the solution," he said.

On October 12 to 13, PhilExport will lead in the second banana congress to tackle the crucial issues affecting the industry.

This will focus on the main export product – the cavendish bananas.
Marañon said there is a clamor to hold second banana congress to put into context different challenges such as security, market competition, among others.

Invited to discuss on security is Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenza, who already confirmed to speak at the banana congress.

Loreto said there are also technical experts to discuss breakthroughs such as managing the banana diseases; biodiversity; competitiveness of the industry; driving forces of the industry; and, marketing support. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)



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BUGALLON, Pangasinan — Farming communities in this town and nearby municipalities producing nipa sap are now benefiting from the bioethanol production facility which the state-run Mariano Marcos State University in Batac City recently established with the help of partner agencies and farm cooperators.

Located in Pantal village, the Php320,000 facility occupies a portion of a property owned by Dante Mesa, 59, a village council member. Engineering experts from MMSU constructed the facility, which is now processing raw extracts from nipa palm fruits.

According to Mesa, the facility helps local residents here who are supplying 95 percent high grade alcohol to those who are producing quality liquors and gasoline mixture. He said he is confident that the facility will become sustainable because of his 10-hectare nipa plantation which has the biggest nipa sap production of 120 liters per day.

On August 30, a team of experts from MMSU led by its president Shirley Agrupis and Dr. Fiorello Abenes, a representative of the United States Agency for International Development – Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (USAID-STRIDE), led the formal launching of the facility.

Other agencies supporting the project are the Department of Energy (DOE), Ethanol Producers Association of the Philippines (EPAP), local government unit (LGU) of Bugallon, and the Pangasinan State University (PSU).

Agrupis said the facility is part of MMSU's multi-disciplinary bioethanol project and now the third facility launched since 2013.

The first was launched in MMSU for sweet sorghum feedstock, while the other was launched in Pamplona, Cagayan for nipa.

 "This high grade bioethanol product from nipa can be mixed with gasoline at 10 percent volume to reduce smoke emission of cars' mufflers, which is a requirement of the Biofuel Act of 2006," Agrupis explained, citing MMSU is doing its best to help implement the law.

She added Pangasinan has become the focus of this development effort because "it is here where we can find the 8,000-hectare natural nipa plantation in Region 1 that has the potential of producing quality bioethanol in the country."

In the Philippines, nipa is one of the local feedstocks considered an important source of alternative fuel because it produces high amount of extract that can be processed into hydrous bioethanol.

Producing as much as 26,000 liters of alcohol in a hectare, nipa is 3-4 times more productive than sweet sorghum and sugarcane – today's main sources of alcohol, which can only generate about 6,700 liters.

The facility in Bugallon, tested through a retrofitted water pump, produced 95 percent bio-ethanol during the launching's ceremonial run by Engr. Nathaniel R. Mateo, MMSU project collaborator.

He said the facility can contain 850 liters nipa sap per operation, which can produce 70 to 80 liters of bioethanol within 4.5 hours. The multi-feedstock village-level facility comprises six assemblies -- the closed fired furnace, reflux kettle, reflux column, second stage condenser, platform or frame assembly, and the cooling tower.

The facility purifies a fermented nipa sap with 8 to 13 percent alcohol concentration into 95 percent azeotropic ethanol. This technology which was developed by MMSU was proven to improve the quality of wine and ethanol.

Agrupis said the project may help the country to become self sufficient in its supply of bioethanol in the near future.

MMSU has already been producing hydrous bioethanol since 2008 with the help of Dr. Abenes, one of the Philippines' premier Department of Science and Technology "Balik-Scientists" who was deployed in MMSU. Abenes is a professor emeritus of animal and veterinary sciences at the California Polytechnic Universityin Pomona. Together with a team from MMSU, Abenes first developed a bioethanol mixture or formulation dubbed as hBE-20 or hydrous bioethanol (95 percent ETOH) from fermentations of sweet sorghum and sugar cane juices.

Today, the new biofuel mixture from nipa promises to be more sustainable in the future compared to other feedstocks being used to produce bioethanol and biodiesel.Hydrous ethanol product was used to formulate a gasohol mixture (a petrol substitute consisting of 90 percent petrol and 10 percent grain alcohol from crops) consisting of 20 percent ethanol, 79.41 percent anhydrous (ethyl alcohol that has a purity of at least 99 percent) E-10, and 0.59 percent water.

The resulting mixture is the MMSU hBE-20 formulation. This is more economically and environmentally sustainable than anhydrous mixes due to lesser resource utilization.

The potential of this technology could save the country Php6 billion a year in ethanol importation.  (PNA



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BAGUIO CITY – Heeding the call of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for all Filipinos to help in the country's food production, the different offices of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) have set up their urban gardens at their respective grounds and offices.

Dubbed "Gulayan sa Presinto", the police are growing tomatoes, eggplant, string beans and pechay which they also harvest and cook for their food at the office. Small gardens are established and fixed by the policemen at the stations outside the central business district while the offices at the city proper are planting vegetables using pots hanged on walls as vertical gardens.

Senior Superintendent Ramil Saculles, Director of BCPO, said the program is supported by the Department of Agriculture (DA), which provided the seedlings.

There are no open spaces for gardening at the BCPO main office beside the city hall, Saculles said. "I plant vegetables on pots at the cemented flat roof of the building. What we grow, we also harvest and cook."

He said that growing plants is a good hobby and relaxing activity which eases the policemen's task of maintaining the city's peace and order. "We are not just producing food but it is also our way of helping green the environment," Saculles said.

Recently, the city government also passed an urban gardening and edible plant production contest ordinance, which encouraged residents in the 128 barangays to establish small gardens to produce food.

The Urban Gardening ordinance authored by Councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr., chairman of the City Council Committee on Market, Trade and Agriculture, empowers residents to be aggressively involved in growing food and medicinal plants among households.

Yangot said barangay residents should maximize available spaces to put up their own urban gardens that will serve as an attraction and source of food and medicine.

"Urban gardens in the households will allow the people to also help the local government reduce the volume of generated waste because the materials that will be used to propagate the plants can be recycled containers, among others, thereby significantly helping improve garbage disposal," Yangot added.

He encouraged residents to plant edible and medicinal plants to significantly contribute in helping clean the air and sustain the greening of the city's environment. (PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Tuna industry stakeholders will gather here on Wednesday to discuss strategies to further strengthen the industry and sustain its competitiveness amid various challenges, among them the dwindling tuna stocks, climate change and economic pressures.

Joaquin Lu, president of the Socsksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries Inc. (SFFAII), said Tuesday these concerns are among the focus of the three-day 2017 National Tuna Congress, which is slated Sept. 6-8.

He said some 800 domestic and foreign tuna industry players have confirmed to attend the event, which will be held at the SM City General Santos Trade Halls.

Now on its 19th year, the congress is centered on the theme: "The Philippine Tuna Industry: Responsive. Strengthened. Competitive."

"This is the industry's assertion: The Philippine tuna industry is responsive to market developments and trends, strengthened with the collaborative efforts of both the government and industry to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated Fishing for a sustainable tuna fishery, and globally competitive through the industry players' competition, innovation, and enhanced access to information on technologies and markets," Lu said.

He said the confirmed participants include representatives of fishing companies, logistics and technology suppliers, service providers and industry partners from all from parts of the country and abroad.

Organizers invited Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel Pinol as keynote speaker for the opening of the congress' exhibit on Wednesday, and Senator Cynthia Villar for the closing ceremonies on Friday.

The lined up speakers included DA Undersecretary for Fisheries Eduardo Gongona; Dr. Sungkwon Soh, science manager of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission; Geronimo Silvestre, chief of party of the United States Agency for International Development's Oceans and Fisheries partnership; Claudette Urmeneta, capability building manager of Verite Southeast Asia; Dr. Marieta Sumagaysay of the National Network on Women in Fisheries in the Philippines Inc.; and, Martin Purves, managing director of the International Pole and Line Foundation.

In a briefer, SFFAAII said the congress will be a venue for stakeholders to discuss issues, concerns and challenges towards efforts to sustain the thriving tuna industry as "one that is responsive, strengthened and competitive."

It said such goals should be the thrust of the key policy makers, both from the government and the non-government organizations, as well as business leaders and the industry's labor sector.

"There is no dying tuna industry. Not for the many whose food security is largely dependent on the productivity of the fishing industry, not for the hundreds of thousands of families depending on it to survive and certainly not for the coming generations for whose quality of life we are responsible for," the group said.

The fishing federation noted that for many years, the tuna fishing industry was beset by a number of challenges "but remained strong and able to produce the needed income for the great number of people dependent on it."

Industry players have continually improved in terms of fishing management through science-based knowledge and data-analysis, and have been established ways to afford more decent working conditions for its labor force.

"This is a cause for a celebration and a call for heightened efforts towards keeping our tuna proliferating and ensuring that our workers, the backbone of this industry, are given a quality life deserving of the toil they have been honestly expending since day one of the making of the world-renowned tuna industry of this country," it added.(AVE/PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Region 12's thriving tourism industry received a major boost after drawing positive reviews at the 2017 Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) held last weekend in Pasay City.

Nelly Nita Dillera, Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region 12 director, said Tuesday the region took the spotlight at the annual travel mart after putting up anew the best booth among the country's 17 regions.

She said Region 12's "SOX Pavilion," which featured the region's "best of the best" products and tourist attractions, received the best booth award in the regional category.

Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

The 28th PTM, which was themed "50 Shades of Fun," was held Sept. 1-3 at the Mall of Asia's SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

It was joined by tour operators, hotels and resorts, local government units (LGUs), corporate sponsors, and other tourism stakeholders from parts of the country.

During the event, DOT-12 and local tourism stakeholders gave prospective visitors a glimpse of the area's history, culture and top destinations through various cultural performances.

Dillera, who headed the region's delegation, said the showcase was a collective effort of the area's LGUs and tourism stakeholders.

She said the participating LGUs exerted all efforts to promote the region as a top destination for domestic and foreign tourists through its world-class products and attractions.

"The region's strength is in the collective effort of our stakeholders," Dillera said in a statement.

Among the featured destinations were the famed white sand beaches of Glan in Sarangani Province; paragliding sites in Sarangani and South Cotabato; bird sanctuary in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat; the scenic Lake Sebu in South Cotabato; and, Asik-Asik Falls, Mt. Apo and other ecotourism sites in North Cotabato.

The official said they are hoping to develop and showcase more fresh attractions parts of the region.

She said they are currently working with various LGUs for the development of their tourism plans and destinations.

Dillera said they are also conducting a series of trainings for stakeholders, among them on selling of tour packages and improving various frontline services.

DOT-12 had adopted "SOX" or short for Soccsksargen as the region's moniker for its tourism promotion and marketing activities.

Its current campaign is dubbed "SOX is next," which showcases the region as a next top destination for tourists.

During the first half of the year, the region recorded around 2.5 million in tourist arrivals that was up by 21 percent from the same period last year.(AVE/PNA)



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DAVAO CITY -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) allotted a total of P14 million for the Potable Water System Projects in three villages in the town of Manay, Davao Oriental.

This was bared by Davao Oriental Provincial Information Officer Karen Lou Deloso, who said the three barangays that will benefit from the project are Central, Holy Cross and San Ignacio which reportedly have no access for drinking water.

Governor Nelson Dayanghirang lauded the DILG support as these new water systems are worthy investments in addressing the long-running struggle of the people in these barangays, which is lack of adequate water supply.

According to Deloso, the new water systems are set to provide residents many advantages in empowering communities.

DILG Provincial Director Yvette Sunga said that with the water system, residents can save a lot of time as they no longer have to bear the burden of fetching water several kilometers away. Students will have plenty of time to study and will no longer be late for school. Households no longer have to buy water from refilling stations, she said.

Aside from easy access, water coming from these water systems is guaranteed safe for drinking, helping consumers avoid water-borne diseases.

Sunga said that she encouraged residents to help make it sustainable in order to continue to benefit people in the future.

Barangay Central, which consists of Manay's largest population with about 10,000 households, will soon have a level three water system amounting to P10 million funded under the DILG's 2016 Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Program (SALINTUBIG).

This type of water system will directly channel water to the residents' homes. Level two water systems are also set for construction in the villages of Holy Cross and San Ignacio, earmarked with a budget of P2 million each, funded under the DILG's Performance Challenge Fund as reward to the province for passing last year's Seal of Good Local Governance for its exemplary performance in practically all aspects of governance.

Manay Mayor Antero Dayanghirang urged the residents to help protect the pipes and distribution lines and discouraged illegal tapping of water that would contaminate water from the source.

The mayor pointed that the communities' involvement is needed in ensuring the projects' successful implementation.

For the projects' sustainability, the Provincial and the Municipal Government plans to establish an Economic Enterprise Office for the proper management and operation of the water distribution when the projects are completed. (Armando Fenequito Jr/PNA



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TACLOBAN CITY -- Two major bridge projects are now underway along the busy Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road in Leyte in line with the national government's vision of a "golden age of infrastructure."

The ongoing widening of the Pinamitinan Bridge in Capoocan town and Jugaban Bridge in Carigara town will significantly boost growth and raise economic productivity and competitiveness in the areas, said Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd district engineer Carlos Veloso.

The Pinamitinan Bridge widening to 3.05 meters in width and 23.4 meters in length will cost PHP21.46 million.

The bridge will likewise have four lanes with grouted riprap and asphalt overlay with thermal plastic. The bridge's widening started on July 3, 2017 and is expected to be completed this December.

Meanwhile, its counterpart in Carigara town, the Jugaban Bridge widening, is being carried out under a PHP4.6 million funding to span the length to 12.66 meters. The Jugaban Bridge also has a December target to be finished.

"Both of these bridge widening projects will complement the road widening also being undertaken by the DPWH all over the area while both bridges have been a two-lane bridge for many years now and are in need of a good repair," Veloso said.

The Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road is one of Leyte's major and busiest highways linking Tacloban and Ormoc, the two major cities in the Eastern Visayas region. (PNA)



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GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Philippine Fisheries and Development Authority (PFDA) is pushing for the development of a museum that will showcase the city's thriving tuna industry.

Luisito Romeo Correa, manager of the PFDA-run city fish port complex, said Tuesday they have initiated discussions with local stakeholders for the establishment of the museum within the 11-hectare fish port complex in Barangay Tambler here.

Dubbed "tuna museum," he said it will mainly highlight the developments in the local tuna industry in nearly five decades.

"It will complement with the increasing number of tourists who have been visiting the fish port," he said.

Correa said city officials have initially supported the proposed initiative, which will also develop the fish port as an "agri-tourism hub."

The Department of Tourism in Region 12 has included the fish port as among the city's tourist destinations.

The top attractions is mainly the daily unloading of fresh tuna by local and foreign fishing vessels calling port at the facility.

The fish port complex was the site of the city's successful attempt in September 2014 to capture the Guinness World Record for the largest fish display.

The world record bid was made by fish port workers who were able to display and weigh around 25,500 kilograms or 25.5 metric tons of tuna in about 15 minutes.

The city government has been holding the annual Tuna Festival every first week of September to pay homage to its multimillion tuna industry. The five-year festivity, now on its 19th year, ends today.

Malacanang has declared Sept. 5 as a special non-working holiday in the city in line with the festival.

A mass fish grilling dubbed "Sugbahan sa Dalan" and a grand fireworks display will cap this year's festivity.

The city government and tuna industry players have committed to provide about a thousand kilos of fish for the "tuna feast."(AVE/PNA)



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ILOILO CITY -- The Philippine Army is calling for the cooperation of the public on its anti-insurgency campaign in view of the ongoing recruitment activities of the New People's Army (NPA) in Western Visayas.

"Their recruitment is constant that is why we are appealing for the help of the civilians in the communities because the Army cannot do it alone through military solutions," Captain Eduardo Precioso Jr., public information officer of the Army's 301st Infantry Brigade (3rd Infantry Division) based in Dingle, Iloilo, said in a press conference Tuesday.

Precioso said the NPA recruitment process is very simple -- emphasizing negative issues about the government, particularly about its alleged failure to uplift people from poverty.

These newly-recruit civilians will then be organized and will go to cities to conduct rallies for exposure and go to the mountainous areas for mobilization.

Precioso also appealed to local government units to help resolve the insurgency problem that the region has been experiencing for the past 40 to 50 years.

"There is the need for the civilians and the LGUs to take part because the issues on insurgency is more on community," he said.

"We are appealing to the community to bring their problems to concerned government agency so that the government could address them," he added. (PNA)



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TACLOBAN CITY --  Maydolong town in Eastern Samar province will be the first local government unit in Eastern Visayas to implement housing projects for families displaced by super typhoon "Yolanda."

Rizalde Mediavillo, National Housing Authority (NHA) Eastern Visayas regional manager, said in an interview on Tuesday that the local government will build 139 permanent housing units.

Maydolong, a fourth class town, is about 168 km northeast from Tacloban, the regional capital.

The absence of interested contractors and two successive bidding failures prompted the NHA to give to local officials the authority to construct houses.

The NHA main office held the last public bidding for Maydolong housing project on August 23, according to Mediavillo.

The NHA has been waiting for a formal letter from the local government unit asking to download needed funds. Each housing unit will cost PHP290,000.

"The letter to NHA is to show that the LGU has the intent to implement the project and that they want the NHA to download the fund to them," Mediavillo explained.

The NHA will conduct monitoring once the LGU starts the construction of housing projects.

Maydolong town Mayor Henry Afable welcomed the move of NHA.

"The local government is willing to implement the project for as long as the fund is available. We are disappointed that it's been nearly four years since super typhoon 'Yolanda' struck, but no single house was built in our town," Afable said in a mobile phone interview. 

The local government has already found a location for the housing project.

In Eastern Samar, housing project demand under the NHA is 7,573 units but only about 454 units have been completed with only 289 occupied nearly four years after the super typhoon struck.

During her visit to earthquake-hit Kananga town in Leyte last month, Vice President Leni Robredo reiterated her proposal of downloading post-disaster housing funds to local governments.

Robredo said that this is the best solution to fast track the construction of permanent houses because implementing these projects under NHA had caused delays. (PNA)



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